Architectural Policy

A NATION OF ARCHITECTURE DENMARK SETTINGS FOR LIFE AND GROWTH

DANISH ARCHITECTURAL POLICY 2007 THE GOVERNMENT COVER: AROS The Aros Art Museum in Århus is cut through by a large arched/curved spatial progression which connects the streets and squares on each side of the museum like a public pathway. At the same time, the museum’s sculptural stairwell system shows up the museum’s 10 ﬂoors. Illustration: schmidt hammer lassen

1. 2. 3.

1. THE METRO IN COPENHAGEN A modern and hi-tech interpretation of the metropolitan transport system. KHR arkitekter AS has designed the stations so that glass pyramids guide daylight to the platforms 18 metres underground. Illustration: Mette Marie Kallehauge

2. ÅRHUS CITY HALL Symbol of early functionalism in Denmark. Arne Jacobsen, Erik Møller and the furniture designer Hans J. Wegner designed everything from the door handles to the tower clock. Illustration: Realdania

3. STATE PRISON IN EAST JUTLAND Friis & Moltke tones down the monumental prison architecture, and instead the buildings snugly adjust to the landscape and the surrounding farm buildings. Illustration: Friis & Moltke

4. GLORUP MANOR HOUSE Erected in the 1590s as a four-wing renaissance manor house. The gardens, in particular, bear witness to the architecture and landscape architecture of their period. Illustration: Andreas Trier Mørch 3

CONTENTS

Foreword ...... page 04 Architecture – settings for life and growth ...... page 06 01. Greater architectural quality in public construction and development . . . . . page 12 02. Promoting private demand for architectural quality ...... page 16 03. Architectural quality and efficient construction must go hand in hand . . . . page 20 04. Innovative architecture must create healthy, accessible and sustainable buildings ...... page 24

05. Greater architectural quality in subsidised housing ...... page 28 06. High priority on architectural quality in planning ...... page 32 07. Architectural heritage must be maintained and developed ...... page 36 08. Better conditions for exports of Danish architecture ...... page 40 09. Danish architecture must have a strong growth layer ...... page 44 10. Danish architectural studies must be among the best in the world ...... page 48 List of ministries, government agencies and relevant institutions ...... page 52

Published by:

Ministry of Culture, Nybrogade 2 DK-1203 København K

Telephone: +45 3392 3370 Print-run: 1,000 Telefax: +45 3391 3388 ISBN: 87-7960-098-0 Electronic version: 87-7960-101-4 Email: [email protected] Website: www.kum.dk

Editor: Ministry of Culture Ministry of Culture owns the copyright. Graphic design: Operate A/S All texts can be freely used in excerpt Print: Scanprint provided the source is specified. 04 FORE WORD

Architecture constitutes a vital setting for life and growth in This is the first time that Denmark adopts a comprehensive archi- Denmark and, accordingly, for our welfare. With “A nation of architec- tectural policy. The policy has been prepared with the co-operation of ture – Denmark”, the government aims to present a complete and several ministries: the ministries of Culture, Economic and Business comprehensive architectural policy. A policy in which government Affairs, Social Affairs, Foreign Affairs, the Environment and Transport players contribute actively and concretely to the development of and Energy as well as the Danish University and Property Agency, continued architectural quality. A policy that stimulates architectural the Danish Defence Estates and Infrastructure Organisation, and quality in a broad sense – from single-family detached houses to the Palaces and Property Agency. national planning, from education to global marketing. The architectural policy commits the involved ministries and govern- It is the government’s intention that the architectural policy will ment institutions to work consciously and with focus to promote contribute to the development of architecture as a Danish strong- architectural quality along the guidelines indicated in the policy. hold and to create an increasing awareness and debate about Correspondingly, in the local and regional administrations the the significance, conditions and possibilities of architecture in national architectural policy will be able to serve as inspiration in Denmark. The policy is intended as a contribution to a broad and addressing the central aspects of architecture. This is particularly lively discussion on how to retain and further develop architectural true for the urban and regional development that is to follow over quality as a central conduit of culture – with local, national and the next few years as a result of the structural reform. global perspectives for growth and welfare in Denmark. The architectural policy describes a series of specific target ar- Danish architecture, and the values it represents, should also con- eas and initiatives aimed at fulfilling the government’s vision tribute actively to government efforts to promote Denmark, and that architecture should play an active role in as a setting for the Danish architectural firms still have the potential to develop their quality of life and growth in Denmark. Local governments as well track record in a global market. as private projects will be able to find support for many specific activities in the visions in the national architectural policy. The The government’s ambition is that the architectural policy should national architectural policy, however, primarily describes a range be seen in a long-term perspective. The architectural policy is not a of important central government initiatives. static manifestation or set answers. It is a dynamic framework that is to contribute to directing focus onto the importance and value The precondition for retaining and developing society’s architec- of architecture in Danish society – culturally and economically. This tural values over time is a determined focus by decision-makers, is a theme the government continuously wants to discuss. operators and users on their respective responsibility to safeguard architectural quality. The architectural policy is designed to be an inspiration for all those who work with architecture and building in the private as This architectural policy is designed to inspire the various parties well as public sphere. It is to be an indicator showing how Denmark to do just that. can use the potentials inherent in Danish architecture. And it is to be a clear international signal that the importance of high quality architecture is recognised in Denmark and plays a significant role in the development of the Danish welfare state. The Government, May 2007 03. 5

TORPEDO HALL At the old naval grounds in Copenhagen, the Tegnestuen Vandkunsten architects transformed a 1950s production hall for minesweepers and torpedo boats into luxury ﬂ ats. Illustration: Jens Lindhe 06

ARCHITECTURE – SETTINGS FOR LIFE AND GROWTH

SETTING FOR OUR LIVES

OUR LIVES UNFOLD IN ARCHITECTURE. Wherever we are, our physical environment is the setting of our To a major extent, contemporary architecture maintains these values. lives. Once it is planned and designed at its best in buildings, de- But globalisation also fosters an architecture that reflects a more velopments, cities, gardens, parks, landscapes and infrastructure, international, resource-conscious and innovative welfare state. architecture gives us all an opportunity to be active, participate and enjoy. SETTING FOR GROWTH High architectural quality not only helps to create a good setting In brief: increased quality of life. for our lives. Architecture is also strong business – even a business with a major potential for growth. This means that architecture adds value to individuals and to society. For this reason it is vital that the physical setting has a high architectural quality. PRIMARILY SMALL FIRMS The number of employees in DANSKE ARK member companies Architecture reflects the society and period it was created in. That in January 2007 was 5,100. Of these, about 1,150 were owners is why architecture creates and constitutes an important part of and 4,000 employed staff. our cultural heritage, our history and identity. This means that architecture and its qualities have relevance not only for contemporary As a rule, the architectural firms are small. Nearly half of the members of DANSKE ARK have no employees, while 100 com- society, but also for the future. panies have 10 or more employees. Ten companies employ more than 75. The largest architectural firms have 250-300 What we are building today is the cultural heritage of the future. employees. The architecture contributes to the story of who we are and where we are headed. The trend is that many small firms are being established at the same time as the large companies are growing. Among Over the past centuries, Danish architecture has been successful in other factors, growth is achieved through increasingly strong international activity. For the largest companies, exports expressing and creating the setting for a democratic and functional constitute 40-60% of turnover. society based on broadly accepted humanistic and social values. ARCHITECTURE – SETTINGS FOR LIFE AND GROWTH 07

THE URBAN GARDEN IN NØRRESUNDBY The ﬁ rst part of a structural plan for Nørresundby waterfront, designed by SLA, is a garden of organic asphalt surfaces, mussel shells and small fountains located among residential blocks. Illustration: SLA

Architecture is one of our characteristic cultural conduits. Our in- It contributes to creating a picture of a city, a region, a country – by ternationally acclaimed tradition in this area is an asset, and the adding character and telling the story of an independent culture industry is one of the creative sectors that we will increasingly be under development. able to – and have to – live from in the future. In the international competition for investment, labour and tour- In architecture, culture and business meet as mutual prerequisites. ism, the architectural qualities of the metropolis also plays a role. Architecture is carried by creativity and artistic quality, but the busi- People do not only travel to Bilbao to see the art of the city’s ac- ness side decides what is being built. For this reason it is important claimed museum, but also to experience the museum’s fantastic that architecture is sound business. It is a decisive strength that architecture. In fact, the architecture of the museum has helped to the architecture and the architectural practices are cultural as well define the image of Bilbao. Another example is Jørn Utzon’s famous as business conduits. Danish architectural businesses constitute a opera house, which is the very symbol of Australia. competitive, dynamic and globally oriented sector with documented international experience and power of penetration. For Denmark it is an additional advantage that the architectural firms have close interaction with other knowledge sectors with an international potential. This particularly applies to the engineering and consultancy DKK 90 BILLION ANNUALLY FOR HOUSING INVESTMENT sector and a number of production companies. In 2005, total housing investment – including renovation – amounted to close to DKK 90 billion. Of this, half went to In Denmark we have good access to knowledge development and new construction. highly qualified architectural labour. In turn, architecture has the potential for innovative contributions to both industrial and In 2005, new construction of 10 million square metres was social development. initiated. Of these, close to 4 million square metres were housing construction. The number of housing units initiated in 2005 was close to 30,000 – of these some 8,000 ARCHITECTURAL BEACONS were subsidised. Denmark features many examples of world-class architecture. World- class architecture provides experiences, inspiration and identity. 08 ARCHITECTURE – SETTINGS FOR LIFE AND DEVELOPMENT ARCHITECTURE – SETTINGS FOR LIFE AND DEVELOPMENT 09

THE ROYAL LIBRARY The sculptural, black granite building called the “Black Diamond” MAJOR INCREASE IN TURNOVER was designed by schmidt hammer lassen. The building is one of the The Danish Association of Architectural Firms (DANSKE ARK) has most characteristic landmarks of the Copenhagen waterfront. 675 member companies which are estimated to cover 95% of Illustration: schmidt hammer lassen the turnover of the entire architectural sector.

The 2006 turnover of these firms was DKK 3.2 billion.

Total turnover of the firms grew by 20.4% from 2005 to 2006. For a few of the larger companies, the advance amounted to 30-40%.

Tourists do not only travel to Denmark to see the Little Mermaid. Architectural quality is not created by accident, but only when the In most Danish cities, urban life and architecture are subjects of architect works consciously with design, planning and detailing, increasing interest from the outside world. Denmark’s contemporary and when there is a scientific and artistic element. capital is a veritable laboratory of new construction, new forms of housing and new urban planning with highly qualified contributions Architectural quality is created in planning and construction and by some of the best Danish and foreign architects. has to pass its test in use. A fundamental precondition for retaining and developing architectural values over time is that any work must For Denmark, more architectural beacons would be an advantage for be implemented on the basis of an understanding of the existing the international competition for attention, and for the quality of architectural qualities of the building and the location. life of the Danes. Architectural beacons can and should be created by the best Danish and foreign architects. DENMARK AS A NATION OF ARCHITECTURE: VISIONS FOR DANISH ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY Danish architecture is innovative; it is carried forward by new tech- Already in ancient Greece and Rome, architecture was defined as the nology, new aesthetics and new processes. Modern architecture art of creating coherence between construction, function and beauty is seeking a new user-oriented and more sustainable approach. in a structure. Architectural quality is currently defined broadly. At the same time, the architecture rests on solid tradition and There is, however, widespread agreement that architectural quality experience. is experienced when form, function and building techniques are thought together and implemented in a complete, artistic idea. Danish architecture has a potential that makes it relevant to speak of Denmark as “a nation of architecture”. Architecture of a high quality relates to the surroundings as a co-player or as a challenger. The architecture stresses, strength- The government wants to strengthen the foundation of Denmark ens and interprets the cultural character and uniqueness of the as “a nation of architecture” with a national architectural policy surroundings. aimed at placing architecture on the agenda.

THE DARWIN MUSEUM IN LONDON C.F. Møller’s cocoon-shaped building will form the setting for the collection of millions of insects and plants – and thousands of annual visitors. Illustration: C.F. Møller 10 ARCHITECTURE – SETTINGS FOR LIFE AND DEVELOPMENT

The focal point of the government’s architectural policy includes two clear visions for Danish architecture:

1. HIGH ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY TO CREATE GOOD SETTINGS FOR OUR LIVES The life of Danes will be richer with inspiring architecture which makes buildings and the design and planning of the physical environment around the buildings functional and attractive. High architectural quality gives high quality of life because architecture creates an aesthetic and well-functioning setting for our lives.

2. GOOD DANISH ARCHITECTURE TO CREATE GROWTH AND PROSPERITY Denmark becomes a richer nation if the architectural sector can utilise its potential for national and international growth – also as an engine in relation to innovation and demand in other sectors. If Danish wealth is to be retained and developed, Denmark should focus more on knowledge and innovation, and architecture is precisely one of the industries that can strengthen Denmark’s position in the global economy.

The vision of the architectural policy is to create good settings for life and growth.

TEN TARGET AREAS In order to promote the government’s two visions for Danish architecture, the architectural policy focuses on ten target areas:

01. Greater architectural quality in public construction and development 02. Promoting private demand for architectural quality 03. Architectural quality and efficient construction must go hand in hand 04. Innovative architecture must create healthy, accessible and sustainable buildings

05. Greater architectural quality in subsidised housing 06. High priority on architectural quality in planning 07. The architectural heritage must be maintained and developed 08. Better conditions for exports of Danish architecture 09. Danish architecture must have a strong growth layer 10. Danish architectural studies must be among the best in the world.

The architectural policy describes challenges, goals and initiatives for each of the ten areas. In coming years, the government will work to realise the two visions through a series of initiatives within the ten target areas. 11

THE MARITIME YOUTH CENTRE PLOT’s building and its wave-shaped roof terrace form the physical setting for the lives of children and young people in East Amager. Illustration: Mads Hilmer

EAST BRIDGE, THE GREAT BELT The bridge was designed by Dissing & Weitling. At 6.8 kilometres in length and 254 metres high it is Denmark’s largest construction project. The bridge represents a ﬁ ne encounter between shape and function. Illustration: Sund og Bælt 12

COVERINGS The architectural ﬁ rm NORD has designed this principle for light coverings to protect sports activities and outdoor events in the changeable Danish weather. Illustration: NORD CHALLENGES AND GOALS

PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION IS VISIBLE AND COMPREHENSIVE In an historical perspective, public developers in Denmark have THE ARCHITECTURAL TRADITIONS played a central role in the architectural quality of construction. OF THE DEFENCE FORCES Throughout the centuries, the Danish defence forces have planned Many public buildings and construction projects have a significant and implemented construction and building projects in co-opera- influence on their surroundings, and they are often visible and tion with the best contemporary architects. It is, for instance, distinctive buildings citizens know and relate to. In practice, the possible to admire a direct relationship between the architecture buildings constitute the public face to the outside world. This is of Philip de Lange in the Naval Arsenal at Holmen and the regular true irrespective of whether a local, regional or national government and anonymous architectural style that later became synonymous is responsible for the project. with Danish tradition. This architecture became the source of inspiration for the Bedre Byggeskik movement (Better Architectural For this reason it is vital that architectural quality is thoroughly Design) and the simple classicism that dates back to the 1920s. The architect Professor Ivar Bentsen used the expression “barrack deliberated, and that the visual and functional interaction with room style” as positive recognition of the simple, useful and wear- other buildings, roads and squares is optimal. In this way, public resistant form. It was highly recognised in the 1930s as a model buildings can enrich and improve the surrounding environment. for civilian developments in a Danish architectural style.

LONG-TERM INVESTMENT PAYS After World War II, the same tradition continued until the 1950s. At Construction is one of society’s heaviest and longest-term invest- that time construction activity was so high that the trade lacked ments. Cities and buildings exist for centuries. By thinking in the skilled construction workers. As a result, the Danish Defence Construction Service made a commitment to develop and use life cycle of a building – which means the costs of its total life – de- industrial production and construction methods. Against this velopers can optimise the value of investment in the building. backdrop, the Danish Defence Construction Service created a new architecture for the defence forces with the development of a High architectural quality in public construction is sound invest- large number of military barracks and other establishments until ment. This is both true in the overall economy of development and the mid-1970s. The defence forces planned their own projects maintenance, as well as in consideration of the building’s long-term and employed more than 100 architects. market value and customer and user satisfaction. 01. 13

ARTISTIC QUALITY IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS In order to ensure artistic decoration of a high quality in government buildings, a circular on the artistic decoration of government buildings (CIR 9067 of February 17, 2004) stipulated that funds should be allocated for artistic decoration in connection with new constructions, conversions and extensions to government buildings. Pursuant to the circular, the allocated funds should correspond to 1.5% of the labour expenses excluding VAT. The decoration can be integrated into the architecture or works of art placed in the building. The building’s suitability for artistic decoration should be discussed with the Danish Arts Foundation prior to the developer’s approval of the project proposal.

KILDESKOVSHALLEN An extension to this valuable, modernistic structure has been designed by entarsis. The extension has been nominated for one of the most distinguished architectural prizes, the Mies van der Rohe Award. Illustration: entarsis

Public construction development should continue to place major Similarly, the public developer can show architectural responsibility priority on the long-term economic gains of high architectural qual- in relation to signal value, identity and cultural heritage. ity – and not the short-term financial gains that can be achieved if the owner compromises on demands for architectural quality. QUALITY IN ALL TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION The public developers must carry focus on architectural quality a PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND PLANTS SHOW THE WAY step further – including an environment of architectural ambition. When public developers take the lead with new requirements and In a long-term perspective, this ambition contributes both to the innovative solutions, private developers often follow suit. general development of quality in architecture and to the specific quality in the public property portfolio. It is vital that determined If public developers focus on and demand quality in construction, and focused work with architectural policy is continued both at this will help to promote the demand for and choice of architectural the national and local level. quality in a double sense – both through their own requirements and in the form of derived private demand. Architectural quality is important, irrespective of whether the state builds or renovates a new domicile for a government agency, whether The public developer can, for instance, create an awareness that the region extends a hospital with a new wing, or whether the local architectural quality is also about reducing costs. It is good archi- authority modernises its public swimming facility. tectural quality if the costs of operating buildings and structures are reduced. This is also a responsible approach in relation to Good architectural quality is also important when public developers resource consumption. build purification plants, motorways, bridges and other buildings and infrastructural plants. We also use and look at these types of construction. 65,000 PUBLIC BUILDINGS Public authorities own 65,000 buildings with a total area of 47 million square metres – this means relatively large buildings. A third of them are used for teaching and research. 14 01.

INITIATIVES David Trood Illustration: as well people. The rooms are The school is designed by Arkitema based on the principle of openness between spaces HELLERUP SCHOOL

The following initiatives are designed to promote architectural quality in public construction.

FORMULATED ARCHITECTURAL POLICY IN ALL DEVELOPING AGENCIES The main government developers – the Palaces and Property Agency, the Danish University and Property Agency, and the Danish Defence

Estates and Infrastructure Organisation – are determined and ﬂ exible with movable walls and furniture. focused in their attention to architectural quality. In various ways they have formulated policies for their work, and are making efforts to make these principles known to users, citizens and players in the building industry.

ARCHITECTURAL POLICY FOR EDUCATIONAL AND RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT Architectural policy is an integral part of the Danish University and Construction Service was responsible for military architecture and Property Agency’s mission, vision and main objectives. construction. In future, this work will be continued by the Danish Defence Estates and Infrastructure Organisation (FBE). FBE was The Agency’s declared objective is to be a visionary and competent established on January 1, 2007 as a new authority under Defence building administrator and to provide a functional, sustainable Command Denmark. The authority is domiciled in Hjørring and has and aesthetic physical framework for Danish research and edu- at its disposal five regional Construction Support Centres located cational institutions. throughout the country.

This objective will be implemented in various areas. Existing The new authority has already formulated an architectural mission show- structures will be maintained and modernised so that their archi- ing that the defence forces will continue to consider architecture as tectural and functional properties are retained. New projects will an important element in maintaining quality in military buildings: be implemented as quality constructions with the inclusion of the most modern aspects of environmental and interior design. New The architectural mission is the general lodestar for the FBE’s use of archi- development projects are normally implemented with a defined tecture in the future. The architectural vision is a clarification of how we construction budget, and project competitions are arranged on this intend to realise the goal of the mission. basis with evaluations architectural and functional criteria. Mission: In future, the FBE will weigh architecture as an important element to maintain quality in military buildings. It is the declared objective of the Danish University and Property Vision: The FBE aims to define the significance of architecture for the indi- Agency to contribute to the development of building technology, vidual construction and renovation projects, and evaluate the architectural building processes and architecture. This will be done by participat- importance of the project on this basis. ing in development projects with others and through own projects and idea competitions. The FBE aims to prepare comprehensive plans to ensure dialogue and coherence between existing and future military buildings. Through landscape architectural planning, the FBE aims to ensure the relationship between THE ARCHITECTURAL MISSION OF THE DANISH DEFENCE FORCES military buildings and the architectural landscape they are placed in. The The Danish Defence Construction Service has a 300-year tradition FBE aims to erect buildings whose architecture permits general and varying for constructions of high technical and architectural quality. Many applications. The FBE prefers a simple, useful and resistant form to minimise of the buildings that have been erected over the centuries still future maintenance. Through funds allocated to the arts, the FBE intends to belong to the defence forces. Until recently, the Danish Defence make art an integrated facet of architecture.

ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY IN BUILDINGS FOR EDUCATION AND RESEARCH The Danish University and Property Agency under the Ministry of Science, University and Property Agency currently controls some 3 million Technology and Innovation takes care of building and property manage- square metres. ment for the majority of the country’s universities and institutions of artistic education and, as of January 1, 2007, for the country’s upper Over the years, architectural quality has been retained either by secondary schools on behalf of the Ministry of Education. The Danish leaving the projects with the Royal Building Inspectors or through University and Property Agency continues the remit of the Danish architectural competitions. However, since the adoption of the EU National Research and Education Buildings and the former Building Procurement Directive in 1993, architectural competition has been Directorate that was established as an independent unit under the used. Several of the agency’s building projects have been honoured Ministry of Education in 1974. both nationally and internationally for their architectural quality. This included three new buildings at the University of Southern Denmark Since 1974, the agency has been in charge of projects totalling some and at the IT University at Ørestaden which received a European DKK 16 billion, including DKK 5-6 billion since 1993. The Danish architectural award. 01. 15

NEW ARCHITECTURAL POLICY significant sub-criterion that is balanced against other sub-criteria IN THE PALACES AND PROPERTY AGENCY such as price requirements, operating load and functionality. This The Palaces and Property Agency architectural policy is made public helps to ensure suitable consideration for architectural quality in as part of the government’s architectural policy. Among other goals, government projects. the policy is designed to unite good and functional contemporary architecture with the development and use of older architecture. DIALOGUE ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT At the same time, the policy is intended to create a contemporary OF ARCHITECTURAL POLICY and dignified setting for activities connected with the buildings. In order to ensure continuous dynamic debate on architectural policy, This includes the best possible accessibility. the Danish Architecture Centre (DAC) is to host an annual conference on architectural policy themes. The conference will feature Overall, good architecture has a positive significance for the market the themes that are assessed to involve the greatest challenges and utility value of a building. Value is added to the property portfo- for architectural policy. At the same time, the conference will con- lio if function and architecture correspond to customer needs, the tribute new knowledge and inspiration on how to use and further building’s character and life, and any preservation value. develop architectural policy. In connection with the conference the DAC may launch initiatives, projects, reports and knowledge- In its architectural choices, the Agency intends to contribute to gathering relating to architectural policy. the development of the market for planning and construction. This applies to areas such as industrialisation and rationalisation of The DAC has a co-ordinating role for the parties in architecture and the construction process in architectural solutions as well as stan- construction with a view to creating networks and partnerships in dardised office design. The Palaces and Property Agency aims to be order to implement and develop the architectural policy. a recognised and innovative partner in construction and, through collaboration and networking with the best private partners, aims The DAC is to submit an annual report to relevant ministries with to achieve optimal architectural results in concepts, processes and a status on the architectural policy and any needs for revision or specific building projects. The architectural policy of the Palaces focus areas. The DAC will disseminate the results of the architectural and Property Agency is reproduced in its entirety at the back of policy among the involved ministries and agencies. this publication. NEW TOOL FOR LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS FOR GOVERNMENT DEVELOPERS Local councils are facing new architectural and urban planning Overall, the public developers are the country’s largest. When public challenges as a result of the structural reform. At the same time, developers place high demands on price and quality, they may gener- interest in architecture and urban planning in the population is ally act as catalysts for improved and less expensive construction strongly on the increase. As a consequence, the DAC has launched a in Denmark. In the spring of 2007, the Ministry of Economics and new project in co-operation with the National Association of Local Business Affairs launched a construction policy action plan aimed Authorities in Denmark, the Architects’ Association of Denmark, at creating more quality for money and more competition in public Building Heritage of Denmark, and Plan 09. The project will be a and subsidised construction. Through a range of concrete initiatives, service in relation to the existing municipal efforts with architectural the public developers are pledged to strive to get higher value for policy and is to offer consulting in the development of new local money in building projects in the form of documented higher quality architectural policies. The intention is to develop a template for and/or lower costs. This will provide better government construction local architectural policy. The template should be easily adapted to and hopefully draw both private construction and construction in the specific requirements of the individual local authority and will the remaining public sector in the same direction. be supported by a catalogue of good examples of local architectural policies, best practice and inspirational pilot projects. In addition, ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY IN GOVERNMENT TURNKEY CONTRACTS local, professional consulting will be available in connection with In government developments, the contractor often provides the the preparation and implementation of the local architectural policy architect’s service. The government developer expects architec- – for instance in connection with user and citizen participation. The tural quality in competitive bidding for turnkey contracts to be a initiative is intended to promote the development of independent architectural policies in the 98 new local councils in Denmark.

As part of this project, the Ministry of Culture will present an annual architectural prize to work that promotes architectural quality in local communities.

“THE SPORTS ARCHITECTURE AWARD” Sports facilities can be seen everywhere in Denmark. Buildings and outdoor facilities put their mark on local communities and constitute the framework of our recreational activities.

In order to focus attention on the importance of the architect in building form and function, a newly instigated award will honour architects who have enriched the world of sport and its settings with high architectural quality. The award winners are selected by a panel of experts. FLINTHOLM STATION KHR arkitekter AS designed the stations of elevated railway. They consist a glass and steel structure resting between the station’s two tracks. The result is a light construction that does not dominate landscape. Illustration: KHR arkitekter AS 16

M2 DETACHED SINGLE-FAMILY HOME The M2 construction company has gathered several of Denmark’s best architects in an attempt to redesign the conventional detached single-family house. This is Delta House by the CEBRA architects. Illustration: Cebra

CHALLENGES AND GOAL

DEMAND DETERMINES QUALITY Ninety-two percent of the building stock is privately owned, and it is important that these projects have an architectural quality that matches the architectural quality of public buildings. that could have been spent on higher quality. It is vital that the number of faults and deficiencies in private housing construction Owners of single-family detached houses, for instance, should have is reduced and quality is strengthened. Such improvement requires an understanding of the architectural quality of their houses when good and strong legislation, which protects private home buyers extending or refurbishing. Otherwise, architectural quality risks being and satisfies the demand for high quality housing. lost in disfiguring refurbishment or misguided modernisation. In the spring of 2007, the Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs Although the architecture of private development is to a large ex- presented an action plan for a construction policy with the purpose tent regulated by district plans, the architectural quality of general of ensuring private and public developers high quality construction private construction is determined by demand. This is true for both at a reasonable price – also in comparison with other countries. private citizens and private companies. Legislation alone, however, is not sufficient to ensure quality and Accordingly, private demand for architectural quality is a vital innovation in private construction at a reasonable price. Sufficient prerequisite if the full potential of Danish architecture is to be private demand for high quality, and competition among companies realised. It is important in unfolding both the cultural and busi- in supplying the necessary quality, is also required. ness potential. KNOWLEDGE AND DEBATE – A PRECONDITION In addition, the welfare and health of the Danes is closely linked to If demand for quality is to be strengthened, a precondition is that the quality of their homes. The private housing projects that are citizens and companies have a chance to acquire knowledge about currently being produced have too many faults and deficiencies. Each architecture and take part in the architecture debate. The intention year it costs billions of Danish kroner to fix these problems – funds is not to agree on what good architecture is, but to make sure that 02. 17

SKRÆDDERGÅRDEN (TAILOR FARM) Renovation by Architect and Social Educator Hanne Birk. The special features of residential farm buildings are preserved. Illustration: Hanne Birk

CITY WALK IN FREDERIKSBERG Public guided walk to the Capital’s newly erected architecture. Illustration: Lina Ahnoff

the public can relate to – and place demands on – architecture. Debate and involvement further quality. THE MAJORITY IS PRIVATELY OWNED Ninety-two percent of the building stock is privately owned. There should be both general and specific communication about Danish architecture and its qualities. General should be understood ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES FOR as the broad communication of projects, styles and visions. Specific SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED HOUSES should be understood as specialised communication and debate The city of Aalborg has focused on the idea that extensions regarding professional challenges and issues. and refurbishing in areas with single-family detached houses should be carried out with respect for the architectural style In larger developments, it is often appropriate to involve neighbours and the special values of the individual type of house. The city administration has prepared style sheets for the 12 most typi- and other stakeholders in a process of dialogue. Dialogue is helped cal styles from the period around the 1880s and until this time. along if the process is prepared in such a way that involvement In a simple and inspirational way the style sheets explain the takes place at an early stage. characteristics of the style. They provide suggestions for suitable materials, colours and extension options for an owner who In relation to the communication of architectural qualities in a city wants to make alterations to his home. or an area, a special target group is Danish and foreign tourists. By itself, high architectural quality is an attraction, but interest in In the neighbourhood of Hasseris, the style sheets are worked into the local plans to ensure a harmonious expression in larger architecture is supported if the tourist can also get information areas with single-family homes. This effort was awarded the on the ideas and thoughts behind the architecture, the historic Danish Urban Planning Award for 2006. period, the architect etc. 18 02.

THE GREEN EMERALD Friis & Moltke’s residential complex in Vejle adjusts both to the landscape and the surrounding urban environment. Illustration: Friis & Moltke INITIATIVES

The following initiatives contribute to promoting private demand for high architectural quality:

NATIONWIDE ARCHITECTURAL COMMUNICATION AND DEBATE As a national centre for architecture it is the job of the Danish the country. This could be in connection with citizen involvement Architecture Centre (DAC) to broadly communicate the cultural in important development projects, co-operation with regional edu- and economic value of architecture to Danish society. This is done cational services on local project activities as well as lectures. through a range of activities such as exhibitions, education service, guided tours, seminars and debate meetings aimed at the general The joint financing of the DAC by the Ministry of Economic and public. Similarly, the DAC has developed a broad communication Business Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Realdania has been interface through its website activities. raised by 100% from 2005-2007 with a view to meeting these objectives. As part of the architectural policy, the DAC plans to develop and strengthen the general communication of architecture and the NEW DANISH ARCHITECTURE PORTAL public debate on architecture. A significant element will be the In the next few years, the web activities of the DAC will be developed implementation of exhibitions and debate meetings at a more so that www.dac.dk offers a real portal for Danish architecture. In nationwide level than has previously been the case. As an example, addition to news, information and network activities, the architec- the DAC will co-operate with the ARoS art museum in Århus in order ture portal will offer a well-structured introduction and access to that major international architecture exhibitions can be held in the many relevant websites on architecture, which are operated Jutland. Similarly, the DAC will co-operate with various local players by public and private hosts. This will provide an overview and easy to present relevant exhibitions and various debate events around access to a great amount of exciting and inspiring knowledge about 02. 19

COMMUNICATING ARCHITECTURE Class at the Kid Builders exhibition at the Danish Architecture Centre, 2007. Illustration: Mette Marie Kallehauge

THE DANISH ARCHITECTURE CENTRE Located in Gammel Dok Pakhus (Old Dock Warehouse) in Copenhagen Harbour. The building is named after Denmark’s ﬁ rst dry dock, which was built in 1739. Illustration: DAC

architecture in general. The portal will also be fully implemented FOCUS ON QUALITY AND in an English version. The initiative is designed to help place archi- FUNCTION IN THE NEW BUILDING REGULATIONS tecture on the Danish cultural agenda. The new BR07 building regulations are changing the framework for construction in Denmark. The previous, highly detailed and THE FUTURE OF THE SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED HOUSE technical requirements for new buildings are being replaced by With many more than one million single-family detached houses requirements on the functions and qualities of the project. This in Denmark, this form of housing is a central part of the history of enables greater flexibility and more innovation in the design of the development of the Danish residential landscape. But the sin- the individual building project without lowering the requirements gle-family detached house is undoubtedly also a significant part for quality, safety and functionality. of the future of Danish housing culture. New working and family patterns, for instance, create an evolution in our housing needs. There will be a few general performance requirements regarding Studies show that, in the years to come, the Danish single-family daylight, artificial lighting and views from the inside to the exterior detached houses will go through a series of alterations and refur- surroundings in both housing and public developments. The perform- bishing in order to meet the need for new forms of housing in step ance requirements are designed to ensure sufficient sunlight in the with population development. building so that it appears light, but at the same time it should be shielded against direct light in order to avoid excessive heating In co-operation with selected players in the housing sector – such and other nuisances. as Bolius, the homeowners’ knowledge centre – the DAC will initiate knowledge creation and dissemination about the potential of The 1995 and 1998 building regulations that apply to commercial the single-family detached house as a valuable future life setting. and multi-storey buildings and small houses respectively will be The DAC, in co-operation with Bolius, wants to implement a national collated in 2007 into the BR07 common regulations. BR07 will apply exhibition on the single-family detached house and a collection to multi-storey buildings, all types of commercial and institutional of examples or an inspirational catalogue with good examples on construction, all-year residences, summer houses, etc. the future use of this popular form of housing. The initiative seeks to increase knowledge of the history and future of the single-family detached house and, accordingly, as a help to create qualified demand for good functional and aesthetic projects. 20

ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY AND EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION MUST GO HAND IN HAND

DIGITAL TOOLS Both planning tools and construction methods have expanded the limits for potential shapes in architecture and construction. Illustration: 3XN Architects

CHALLENGES AND GOALS

INNOVATION IN ARCHITECTURE NEED FOR A MORE EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION SECTOR AND CONSTRUCTION ARE INTERRELATED In several aspects, the construction sector is characterised by Innovation in architecture and innovation in construction are closely too many faults and deficiencies and too low efficiency. A 2004 interrelated. New construction methods allow challenging and crea- analysis from the Danish Building Research Institute estimated tive architecture to be realised, and requests for new architecture that 10% of the sector’s production costs were spent on the repair help to develop the implementation of construction. of faults and deficiencies. In 2004, this corresponded to DKK 12 billion annually. Innovation in materials and building processes has given architecture more creative latitude. The development in concrete alone has According to a 2005 analysis from the Technical University of Denmark continuously provided architecture with new creative possibilities. (DTU), nearly two thirds of these faults could be ascribed to poor Transparent concrete, for instance, gives architects brand new, communication and poor teamwork. The communication problems visual choices. are partly due to the complexity and uniqueness of most building projects, and partly to the fact that often the various companies in Similarly, architecture has pushed the limits for proper construc- a building project have never worked together before. This places tion. The creative unfolding of architecture, for example, requires major requirements on the quality and organisation of communica- constant flexibility, and innovative architectural planning tools help tion and teamwork. develop the potential. Innovation in 3D planning tools has enabled projects that would otherwise have been difficult to implement Architects should already be attentive to these challenges in the due to major geometric complexity. planning phase. By ensuring an open dialogue about the project basis, many faults and deficiencies can be prevented. Furthermore, they should focus on project feasibility in order to avoid a conflict between what is possible on the drawing board and at the building site. 03. 21

POSSIBLE TO RELEASE RESOURCES FOR QUALITY In 2004 the Danish Building Research Institute estimated that 10% of the sector’s production costs are spent repairing faults and deficiencies. This corresponded to an annual DKK 12 billion. The majority of faults and deficiencies are found in renovation where 11% of the product costs are used for the repair of faults and deficiencies, while the corresponding percentage in new construction of social housing is only five percent. If the level of faults and deficiencies in the other segments of the construction sector were reduced to the level of the social housing sector, this would mean that more than DKK 6 billion could be released for other purposes such as higher architectural quality. The analysis found that 70% of the faults and deficiencies were detected and repaired before the building was handed over.

A “Snublestene i byggeriet” (Stumbling stones in construction) study carried out by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), found that nearly two thirds of all faults and deficiencies could be ascribed to poor communication and co-operation. According to the DTU, other significant reasons were bad planning, lack of coordination and/or insufficient project review. According to a 2005 study from the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, “carelessness” – including poor COMMUNITY CENTRE IN JEMTELANDSGADE communication and poor co-operation With little funding, Dorte Mandrup Architects converted – accounts for cost increases of 30-35% an old factory building into a centre for residents and in building projects. culture with a library and youth club. Illustration: Jens Lindhe

DIGITALISATION INCREASES In particular, architects play a central role in relation to the digi- EFFICIENCY AND POTENTIAL INNOVATION talisation of the sector. This is essential for the development of a As central knowledge and innovation drivers in construction, Danish more productive sector. This is where new digital tools can help to architects have a natural and crucial co-responsibility to make improve co-operation between the various elements of construction sure that the general construction sector both creates buildings and create a better flow of data between the various parties. The of a high architectural quality and ensures high productivity and result would be a more innovative construction sector with fewer technical quality in construction. faults and deficiencies.

DENMARK AS A PIONEER IN DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION In this way the involved parties can jointly visualise the project before The internationally acclaimed Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry breaking the first ground. works with one of the world’s most advanced planning tools in the form of the 3D Digital Projects platform. Gehry’s digital software is developed With Digital Construction, Denmark is a pioneer in the development of in co-operation with software producers from the aircraft industry. The new digital production forms in architecture. This is the reason why software is now used by several world-famous architects as well as Frank Gehry and his development team wanted the exhibition and archaeologists and architects working with renovation of buildings communication of their new 3D design platforms to have its world across the world. The software enables users to design, manage and premiere in Denmark. In co-operation with the National Agency for estimate the costs of a construction project in one overall communica- Enterprise and Construction and other relevant players, the DAC has tion interface that is accessible to all involved parties. One benefit is taken the opportunity to raise a discussion on directions and solutions that the parties can test the various options of the project and erect a that the Danish construction sector should choose as the foundation result in the virtual world and thus avoid faulty communication. for the sector’s further development. 22 03.

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY IN ABERDEEN Inside schmidt hammer lassen’s building in Scotland, a cube-shaped showcase with rare books forms the ground ﬂ oor reading room. Illustration: schmidt hammer lassen

INITIATIVES

The following initiatives contribute to promoting synergy between DISSEMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION architectural quality and increased efficiency in construction: The DAC continually works to create debate and knowledge-sharing about the digitalisation of the construction sector for the benefit DEMANDS FOR PUBLIC DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION of both the private and the public sector. Digital construction is a From 2007 all government development in Denmark must be imple- special focus area in 2007, and two larger exhibition projects and mented as digital construction with all data exchanged electroni- several workshops and seminars about digital construction are cally among the parties in the building process. Once information planned in 2007. handling is digitalised from the invitation to tender to delivery, the prerequisites are present to create good communication between The DAC has established co-operation with foreign competence the various parties in the project, high quality, reduction in the clusters in the area. Exhibitions and seminars are to present “Digital number of faults and efficient construction. projects” which is one of the world’s most advanced 3D planning tools. The tool is software created by architect Frank Gehry’s tech- The Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs construction policy nology division. The exhibition shows that digital construction action plan, which was presented in the spring of 2007, contains an will fundamentally change and renew the production conditions initiative aimed at strengthening the use of digital construction of architecture – including co-operation between the parties in by public developers. The initiative is also under discussion with the construction sector. regional and local authorities. The social housing sector has initiated a development project for digital construction which is expected DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION AS to be implemented by early 2009. This may result in the initiative A FOCUS AREA IN ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES being included in the Consolidation Act on Social Housing etc. Digital construction will be designated a focus area at the schools of architecture. New educational initiatives will be established, INTERNATIONAL OPEN STANDARDS including continuing education, specifically aimed at the growing The parties of the construction sector do not only operate on the need of Danish architects for digital competences in the future. Danish market. Architects, in particular, have many international projects. The Ministry of Economic and Business construction Through research and education, the schools of architecture have policy action plan suggests that Denmark should enter into an played a central role in the implementation of the newest digital international agreement with leading public developers, including tools in the profession. This is about visualisation and communica- central government developers in the United States. The arrange- tion and, in recent years, with growing emphasis on the work with ment is aimed at reaching agreement on common requirements for “intelligent electronic building models”. the application of independent exchange formats in government construction. The agreement is designed to help promote the ap- The education of architects must constantly adjust to labour market plication of international exchange formats on the international demand. That is why research and education must systematically market. Independent exchange formats will enable the parties in equip graduates who want to work in the construction sector with the sector (architects, engineers and contractors) to exchange data the most recent knowledge and competence in 3D digital model- even though they do not necessarily use the same software, and ling and planning. will help to make sure that Danish architects and other construction companies use state-of-the-art software. 03. 23

THE NEW PLAYHOUSE THEATRE AT COPENHAGEN HARBOUR Lundgaard & Tranberg’s structure is covered by copper, glass and solar cells and opens onto the waterfront opposite the Opera House on the other bank. Illustration: Lundgaard & Tranberg

NEW OBLIGATION TO FOCUS ON WHOLE-LIFE COSTING The Ministry of Economic and Business construction policy action The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has launched an plan suggests that, on a trial basis, government developers should initiative termed Regional Knowledge Pilots. The initiative offers be obliged to involve the annual operating load as a sub-criterion in small and medium-sized companies a financial contribution for invitations to tender of a certain size. This would mean that gov- the employment of a highly qualified professional. The programme ernment developers and their suppliers have to consider whole-life is also directed at qualified architects, architectural firms and costing and co-operation throughout the construction process. the construction material industry. A part of the initiative is a focused information effort aimed at the construction sector. The KNOWLEDGE PILOTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL INDUSTRY programme is implemented as co-operation between the relevant An active effort must be launched to make the construction material organisations and institutions. industry employ more architects, who can further innovation and the development of new quality products in companies. 24

CHALLENGES AND GOALS

GOOD ARCHITECTURE – HEALTHY BUILDINGS High quality architecture also focuses on aspects that are not im- If accessibility is part of the original building design, this will typi- mediately visible. Architectural quality comprises aspects of health, cally provide the best and most impressive solutions for the project accessibility and sustainability. as a whole – in many cases without additional costs.

Even though solutions may appear exciting and aesthetic, they SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IS A NECESSITY should not be chosen if they are at the expense of health. A healthy Both construction and completed buildings result in comprehensive indoor climate is created by choosing the right materials and con- environmental impacts. Energy consumption in buildings alone structions in order to avoid problems such as draught, unpleasant accounts for about 40% of Denmark’s total energy consumption. evaporation, damp and mould. Construction also consumes large amounts of natural resources and produces large amounts of waste – although in Denmark much Unhealthy buildings result in major costs for society. Quality of life of the waste is recycled. The production of construction materials is reduced for users, and major expense is involved in renovating also involves a wide range of chemicals that can impact both the buildings. Many people fall sick as a result of unhealthy buildings, environment and people. and this is expensive in the form of treatment and lost income. There are many reasons why architects have a major responsibility Energy has become a central political theme in several industr- for ensuring health in architecture. ialised countries. The debate is about the risk of greenhouse effect, the wish to improve supply security and the need to create ACCESSIBILITY SHOULD BE PART OF THE DESIGN a competitive energy production. As a result, it is vital for both Good architecture is about accessibility for all. It is vital for our environment and general wealth that the construction sector welfare state that everyone can use and move around the building becomes sustainable. environment without outside assistance. This applies to the disabled, elderly and mobility-impaired as well as to parents with prams. 04. 25

SWAN-LABELLED CONSTRUCTION The low energy detached single-family house of the future, designed by Valbæk Brørup Architects, has annual water, heating and electricity consumption of only DKK 5,000. Illustration: Valbæk Brørup Architects

THE KITCHEN OF THE FUTURE Designed by 3PART for the physically disabled and their relatives. Illustration: Pressalit Care

BOASE The housing project, designed by FORCE4, is focused on the use of contaminated building lots. The houses are elevated on poles and built in light, transparent materials. In this way they add light and air to the soil and ﬂ ora. Illustration: FORCE4

ENERGY CONSUMPTION MUST COME DOWN The architecture of buildings is very important for their energy Denmark should also be good at gathering inspiration from other consumption. Through architecture we need to focus on the devel- European countries such as Germany, which has carried out major opment of the low energy buildings of the future and good archi- investment in the development of low energy constructions. In tectural solutions for the renovation of existing buildings. Existing many ways, the experiences that Germany and other pioneering buildings account for the lion’s share of energy consumption. It is European countries have made can be transferred to the Danish therefore important that the need for investment and research in construction and architectural scene. this field is not overlooked. Through Agenda 21 for example, the Danish Planning Act makes the Requirements on energy consumption in buildings are being con- way for efforts towards sustainable development. This may take place tinuously tightened, partly as a result of EU initiatives. Denmark is through local planning and considers issues such as the orientation already out front. The new Danish energy regulations, for instance, of houses in relation to the sun and housing design, including the are based on the principles of an EU directive and contain tough choice of materials. Architecture is an important element both in requirements that may give Danish architects and construction the inventive thinking of the design of the energy-efficient build- companies a competitive advantage on the international market. ings of the future and in the integration of new technologies in the design, construction and organisation of the house. 26 04.

INITIATIVES

The following initiatives contribute to promoting architecture with a focus on healthy, accessible and sustainable buildings:

NEW REQUIREMENTS TO REDUCE DAMP IN BUILDINGS In 2007, the National Agency for Enterprise and Construction has issued the new BR07 building regulations. The new rules include requirements that the maximum humidity in building constructions and materials must be determined in the construction description. By reducing the humidity in materials and constructions, it is possible to avoid some of the nuisances connected with damp including mould and reduced durability.

NEW COLLECTION OF EXAMPLES AND RESEARCH PROJECTS ON ACCESSIBILITY It is an architectural duty to provide access for the mobility impaired TOUGHER ENERGY REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS so that they can participate in the life of society on an equal foot- It is the government’s goal that energy requirements in new building with others. That is why accessibility should be part of general ings should be strengthened by a further 25-30% in 2010, with architectural practice. tightening continuing in 2015. As a consequence there is a need to develop better components and solutions that can significantly The Danish Architecture Centre (DAC) focuses on access by preparing reduce the extra costs of low energy construction and energy- a collection of examples of good, functional and aesthetic solu- efficient renovations. In addition to reducing energy consumption, tions in order to bring accessibility into the architecture debate. the effort is to focus on indoor climate. The collection is targeted at architects, students of architecture and developers. With a view to reducing energy consumption in existing buildings, the energy provisions of the new building regulations include In order to further contribute to the capacity building and devel- demands for energy improvements in larger renovations, roof re- opment of new knowledge on accessibility in future architecture, placement, windows on a facade, boilers etc. At the same time, the and to motivate students of architecture to concentrate on the regulations introduce improved energy labelling for buildings and subject, two new Ph.D. chairs focusing on architecture and acces- inspection schemes for boilers and ventilation systems. sibility will be advertised. The energy labels and inspections are to provide house owners with The Danish Foundation for Culture and Sport Facilities has accessibil- information on the energy standard of the building and possibili- ity in sports, cultural and recreational buildings as a focus area. The ties for improvement. This knowledge can immediately be used by Foundation is continuously developing relevant requirements. owners and, at the same time, by energy providers in connection with the implementation of their energy-saving obligations. FUND FOR BETTER ACCESS IN EXISTING BUILDINGS Accessibility in new buildings is provided through the accessibility THE ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION PLAYS AN ACTIVE ROLE rules of the building regulations. But looking at the existing building The architectural profession both can and must contribute to the stock, access could be improved considerably in many places. future development of the energy area. The Bolig+ project is about developing a housing unit that produces the same amount of The political parties behind the 2007 agreement on earmarked energy that is used when the light or the hot water tap is turned funds have allocated DKK 30 million to an accessibility fund over a on. The intention is to launch the development project through an two-year period: DKK 20 million in 2007 and DKK 10 million in 2008. international project competition in 2007. The accessibility fund is to be used for the co-financing of access improvements in existing public buildings with a service function The project was initiated by the Architects’ Association of Denmark directed at citizens. and the Danish Society of Engineers, and has been developed in

ENERGY CONSUMPTION ON THE DECREASE In 100 years, the energy requirement for heating a house has dropped provisions by 25-30% in the building regulations that took effect in from about 1,000 kWh/m² annually to an average consumption in the 2006. The new requirements are framework provisions that include existing building stock of 140 kWh/m² per year. It is realistic that this all energy supplied for heating, cooling, hot water and ventilation. is further halved in the next decade. A step on the way towards lower The framework for residential buildings is typically 80-90 kWh/m² energy consumption in new buildings is the tightening of the energy depending on the size of the building. 27

ECO-HOUSE 99 The organic housing development, designed by the architectural ﬁ rm Tegnestuen Vandkunsten, investigates the possibilities for energy savings through-zone-divided interiors. Illustration: Tegnestuen Vandkunsten

UTTERSLEV SCHOOL The school was designed by KHR arkitekter AS with focus on new standards for ﬂ exibility, interior climate and sustainability. In 2006 it was the ﬁ rst new school in Copenhagen for more than 25 years. Illustration: KHR arkitekter AS

co-operation with the Ecological Council, the Danish Association of had a co-operation with “Fremtidens parcelhuse” (The single-fam- Construction Clients, the Danish Construction Association, the Danish ily detached houses of the future) in the city of Køge. The project Technological Institute, the Danish Building Research Institute, the showed that it is possible to build an environmentally sound house Danish Mechanical and Electrical Contractors’ Association (Tekniq), of major architectural quality. At present, 18 companies can supply the Building Materials Industry and others. The project is also sup- Swan-labelled houses and more are on their way. Altogether, 76 ported by The Danish Electricity Saving Trust. Swan-labelled homes have been planned in Køge. For a developer, a requirement for Swan-labelled houses is a convenient way of mak- NEW POSSIBILITY TO FOCUS ing environmental demands on new buildings since Eco-labelling ON LOW ENERGY IN LOCAL PLANNING Denmark monitors whether the requirements are met. The Minister for the Environment has presented a draft bill for an amendment to the Planning Act with focus on urban politics and In Køge, the houses will meet the requirements of low energy class low energy developments. The proposal enables local authorities 2 which is 25% better than the standard energy requirements for to establish local planning provisions requiring new developments newly-built houses. Some of the houses have solar cells or solar pan- in an area to be erected as low energy buildings according to the els installed in order to meet the energy requirement. Many have also definitions of the building regulations. chosen to use eco-labelled paint and many have spent time finding less harmful construction products than they normally use. This is done by extending the act’s current catalogue of issues that can be comprised by provisions in a local plan. The council can establish rules for the design of the development beforehand. This gives local authorities the option to combine low energy provisions with requirements on the architecture. HEATING FOR DKK 2,000 ANNUALLY SWAN-LABELLED BUILDINGS In Denmark, a small development – Rønnebækhave in Næstved The Nordic Swan eco-label applied to buildings is an obvious way – meets the requirements of low energy class 1. Another exam- of meeting this challenge. A Swan-labelled house has limited imple of low energy houses is a 223 m² single-family detached house in Seest, erected in 2005 at DKK 11,000 per square metre pact on the environment, high quality and a sound indoor climate. which is at a par with other new residential construction. The Architecture and design are significant factors in the development home is heated by thermal heating with an annual heating of the swan-labelled house. Innovative solutions that are both aes- bill of about DKK 2,000. thetic and functional can be developed through architecture. Eco-labelling Denmark in the Ministry of the Environment have 28

05. GREATER ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY IN SUBSIDISED HOUSING

THE BLUE HOUSE Friis & Moltke’s development and demonstration project in Aalborg has tested new methods for future city renewal involving water saving and recycling. Illustration: Friis & Moltke

CHALLENGES AND GOALS

SUBSIDISED HOUSING WITH A SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE The housing and urban policy is designed to support social coher- Over the years, subsidised housing – construction of social hous- ence, welfare and growth in society and ensure well-functioning ing and renovation through urban renewal – has been significant cities and urban areas so that they are attractive to live and work in Denmark. The purpose of subsided housing has primarily been in. The architectural element has not had similar weight, but the to provide a sufficient number of modern and functional dwellings. Consolidation Act on Social Housing etc and the Act on Urban Renewal The subsidies have only been linked to specific requirements on and Urban Development contain provisions on necessary architec- architectural design to a certain extent. tural considerations in new buildings as well as renovation.

Focus on the subsidised housing policy is designed to enhance the qualities of existing urban areas and the quality of new URBAN RENEWAL IN FIGURES construction. • Forty area renewal projects were initiated throughout the country 2004-2006. ARCHITECTURE CARRIES GREATER WEIGHT • The 2007 budget has allocated DKK 250 million for urban Social housing has gone through a major development over the years. renewal including DKK 50 million for area renewal. The 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s saw comprehensive construction with an • In 2004 a special fund of DKK 100 million was earmarked often uniform and architecturally inferior design. In the last ten to for a targeted trial project involving urban renewal of problem areas in larger cities. The project will run from fifteen years the projects have become more focused and individual. 2004-2011. Quality, architecture and variation carry more weight. • Each year trial and development projects are initiated with support from urban renewal funds. For 2006, an amount Government subsidised urban renewal has gone through a de- of DKK 10 million was set aside for this purpose. velopment from large-scale slum clearance of poorly maintained multi-storey housing blocks to a preserving urban renewal policy that was developed in the 1980s and ‘90s. Nowadays, building 05. 29

THE WOOL-SPINNING MILL IN THISTED As part of an urban renewal effort, Thisted Council chose to thin out the densely-built yards of a former wool-spinning mill and erect youth dwellings and independent dwellings for the elderly and disabled in the existing commercial property. The preserved parts of the buildings were thoroughly restored and the architectural expression retained and strengthened. Since the area is close to the city’s shopping district, the elderly and disabled citizens were integrated into city life – and at the same time Thisted avoided depopulation of its inner city.

YOUTH RECREATIONAL AREA The socially deprived Vollsmose housing area is given new life in the form of multi-sport area, “girl’s room” and climbing wall. The recreational area was built by the LAND+ architects in co-operation with young people in the neighbourhood. Illustration: LAND+

renewals ensure restoration and upgrading of privately owned URBAN QUARTERS ATTRACTIVE and owner-partnership homes as well as rented dwellings built In towns and cities alike, attractive quarters contribute to economic before 1950, while area renewals aim to initiate a positive devel- development and prevent stagnation. An attractive urban environment opment in urban areas with social problems. The subsidies can is of major importance when people choose a place to live. It is also vital be used to renew streets, roads and squares and initiate social when innovative companies select a location for their domicile. and cultural activities. For this reason it is important for individual local councils to exert In the existing housing stock, there is a close connection between influence on the design of the townscape, architecture and common urban renewal and planning laws. According to legislation, local urban spaces in order to create the greatest possible interaction councils may place certain requirements on architecture as a between local forces and private investors – and thus achieve the condition for support. Higher subsidies are also given to buildings largest possible effect of public subsidies. that are worthy of preservation and also to protected buildings in order to preserve architectural heritage and the original expres- Overall, individual public authorities and developers or owners are sions of the properties. responsible for leaving their mark on the design of the townscape, architecture and the common urban spaces. VEJLEÅPARKEN DOMUS architects has partnered with various artists to create new architectural quality in a housing area in Ishøj. The renovation work is one of the largest its kind Denmark. Illustration: DOMUS 30

THE PRISM Recreational and cultural centre designed by Dorte Mandrup Architects in one of Copenhagen’s deprived areas. The centre is suspended between existing buildings and the design idea is a green indoor landscape. Illustration: Torben Eskerod

CITY RENEWAL Renewing Søndre Boulevard The development of a recreational space with room for people and sports activities through speed limits for cars and an extension of the central reservation. Illustration: SLA

CITY RENEWAL General objectives for city renewal, as here at Vesterbro in Copenhagen, have included the reorganisation and improvement of both trafﬁ c and cultural and social conditions. This is SLA’s renovation of Søndre Boulevard in Copenhagen. Illustration: SLA

INITIATIVES

The following initiatives contribute to promoting architectural renovations and improvements to the indoor climate, as well as quality in subsidised housing: citizen participation and attachment strategies.

FUNDING FOR TRIAL AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS The funds are also used for information about urban renewal to It is essential to continuously ensure and enhance the quality, ef- various target groups. Through the focused development effort, ficiency and productivity of the subsidised renewal of our cities the Ministry of Social Affairs contributes to increasing the social, and houses. In relation to the Danish Urban Renewal Act, funds have architectural and visual qualities of the urban areas and the Ministry been allocated to so-called trial and development projects. Each contributes to creating discussion and knowledge about the de- year, the Ministry of Social Affairs initiates new projects dealing velopment of the country’s urban areas and houses. with topical issues of a political or technical nature. This could be the optimisation of renovation processes to ensure aesthetic, INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE TO DENMARK technical, functional and architectural initiatives; contemporary Innovative thinking and experience-gathering must be strengthened adaptation of user needs in connection with accessibility; energy in order to consolidate the architectural effort in vulnerable residential areas. One initiative is a project concerning ‘the architecture of the residential area – on spatial efforts in deprived residential areas’. On the basis of experiences from abroad, the project is designed to initiate debate and innovative thinking on physical SOCIAL HOUSING IN FIGURES • An annual amount of DKK 2.4 billion is earmarked until initiatives in vulnerable housing areas in Denmark. 2012 for renovation and the upgrade of social housing – including architectural elements. The project has been created by the Architects’ Association of • At least DKK 150 million of the DKK 2.4 billion is to be Denmark (AA) and is implemented by AA in co-operation with the min- used to improve access to the dwellings. istries of Social Affairs and Refugees, Immigration and Integration, • From 2007-2010, DKK 20 million will be allocated for and Realdania. The project is intended to provide decision-mak- innovation in social housing sector. ers and government officials with new perspectives and ideas in order to reverse the development of mono-functional and isolated housing areas. 05. 31

SUCCESSFUL URBAN RENEWAL AT HALMTORVET STRONG HISTORIC IDENTITY IN NYBORG For a decade, urban renewal of the inner part of the Vesterbro Nyborg was one of the first smaller cities in the country to area in Copenhagen was the largest urban renewal project implement urban renewal on a larger scale and over a longer in Denmark. In addition to conventional block renewal, the sequence of years. Urban renewal funds were spread across city emphasised neighbourhood-oriented initiatives such the entire city centre in order to help the most needy buildings as the conversion of the meat market “Den Brune Kødby” for and areas. The scattered urban renewal has had a spill-over cultural and recreational purposes and the transformation of effect and privately financed upgrading is currently talking Halmtorvet into a new urban space. Vesterbro was originally place on a major scale. Through the urban renewal, the centre developed as a classic working class area and involved all of Nyborg has maintained its strong historic identity and has the obvious challenges of urban renewal before the renewal a great number of protected houses and buildings worthy work started. of preservation. In the area around Skippergade, traditional upgrading is supplemented by improvements to the open Encircled by newly renovated buildings and attractive new areas in the form of a comprehensive system of paths which infill buildings, Halmtorvet now appears as a successful are connected to other blocks in the city centre. architectural statement in a renewed Vesterbro.

The project is also intended to strengthen the knowledge and com- MORE EDUCATION IN URBAN RENEWAL petences of architects and urban planners in the holistic, interdis- The schools of architecture will offer their students qualifications ciplinary and process-oriented approach to spatial improvements, in modern and innovative urban renewal. The School of Architecture changes and new building in vulnerable areas. The project will be in Aarhus is to establish a special graduate course. initiated as research on foreign experiences with holistic spatial efforts. Debate meetings and a publication are to inspire innovative The course is to give the students expertise in building damage, thoughts about the development of attractive neighbourhoods with citizen participation and local attachment as well as knowledge mixed uses – neighbourhoods that appeal to a diverse population, about special crafts and technical solutions in relation to the provide space for different activities and have good connections older building stock. The project is supported by the Ministry of with surrounding urban areas. Social Affairs. 32

THE FINGER PLAN Denmark’s ﬁ rst urban development plan from 1947, designed by Steen Eiler Rasmussen and Peter Bredsdorff, had major inﬂ uence on the development of the metropolitan region. The plan has governed and ensured urban growth, industry, transport corridors, water supply and the environment. Illustration: Dansk Byplanlaboratorium

HIGH PRIORITY ON ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY IN PLANNING

CHALLENGES AND GOALS

PLANNING CREATES THE SETTING STRENGTHENED DIALOGUE ABOUT PLANNING Planning is architecture on a large scale. This is where the premises The National Planning Report for 2006 is the government’s vision for for landscapes and townscapes are designed and created, and this Denmark’s spatial development. To a large degree, the realisation is where the settings for public and private buildings and recrea- of this vision is dependent on dialogue and the new co-operation tional areas are defined. This means that the planning framework between local authorities, regions and the government. is a natural and decisive condition for the architectural quality that citizens experience in their everyday life. The National Planning Report presents five indicators for spatial planning across the country. They are general, political signals de- Good planning is about people. People have to live and work in sur- signed to form a common model for physical planning in Denmark. The roundings and buildings created on the basis of planning. Planning indicators say, among other things, that there must be a difference is designed to create coherence and context so that architecture between built-up and rural areas. This means that the architectural does not unfold in a void. High architectural quality has poor condi- quality of the marked boundary where the city meets the open land tions if planning does not define the function of a new area and the must be maintained, as in Ribe’s border towards the marsh. The interaction between city, nature and infrastructure. indicators also suggest that planning must be based on a respect for the identity of cities, nature, the environment and landscape. The new municipal structure has placed further focus on the role of planning. The structural reform has meant a new division of labour in Some local councils work with architectural policy and design manu- planning between local authorities, the new regions and the state. als as tools to promote the quality of local architecture. There are The local authorities can use the planning instruments to create various experiences with the use of these tools, but not a great coherence and a new structure for the development of their area. deal of experience exchange or evaluation. This means the development of urban areas, the use of open land and the relationship between urban and rural areas. AMAGER STRANDPARK The entire Amager Strand coastline is preserved as a beach and recreational area. It was implemented as a result of a proposal by a group of local people. Designed by Hasløv & Kjærsgaard Architects. Illustration: Katharina Havig Solnørdal

This means that dialogue should be strengthened on using planning With the adoption of Finger Plan 07, the government has sent a as a tool to secure quality in the built-up environment and in our clear signal to local and regional authorities to use urban planning landscapes. The planning tool exists and local councils use it, but to establish proper settings for sustainable development. how efficiently it is used remains an issue. Finger Plan 07 defines the framework of architecture, landscape, CLEAR SIGNAL TO LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES recreational areas and infrastructure in the Greater Copenhagen area. Planning should create coherence and context so that architecture The “canonisation” of the original 1947 Finger Plan is a recognition does not unfold in a void. Superior architectural quality has poor that urban planning can create an urban structure – architecture conditions if planning does not define the function of a new area which is both visionary and of superior quality. and the interaction between city, nature and infrastructure. 34 06.

INITIATIVES

The following initiatives contribute to promoting architectural The model projects are designed to create new knowledge or ex- quality in planning. periences and have a demonstration or communication value in relation to the new challenges for local authorities. NEW PARTNERSHIP IN PLANNING With the partnership project Plan09, Realdania and the Ministry CONSULTING ON PORTS AND NEW NEIGHBOURHOODS of the Environment represented by the Danish Forest and Nature It is vital for life in the cities of the future that the opportunity Agency, are targeting innovation in planning processes and solutions for physical activity in the local community is given high planning in the new municipalities following the municipal reform. Plan09 is priority. It is also important to grasp the opportunity adapt recrea- a three-year project that will be implemented in the period 2006- tional and other cultural activities in former industrial buildings and 2009 with a total resource allocation of DKK 50 million. areas with a view to revitalising existing neighbourhood areas. At the same time, the dwindling importance of the original industrial The vision is to develop a planning culture that is focused on valu- uses of many ports and harbours open up the possibility of creat- able urban environments and developments as well as attractive ing new urban areas – often close to the city centre – where the landscapes as the setting for “a good life”. The planning will be proximity to water and large spatial areas are challenged by the based on political ownership and commitment and be characterised cultural and recreational dimension in urban planning. Against this by professional and innovative planning environments. backdrop and for those local authorities who are either planning brand new urban quarters or the establishment of urban quarters The planning culture will be developed through local model projects in ports or other industrial areas, the Danish Foundation for Culture with focus on innovation in planning strategies and municipal and Sport Facilities has designated consultancy for local authori- planning and through networks, knowledge sharing and debate. ties as a future focus area. The total resource allocation is at DKK 50 million. Realdania is to finance 50% and the Ministry of the Environment represented by THE ROADS AND URBAN STRUCTURES OF THE FUTURE the Danish Forest and Nature Agency, and the local authorities are Planning for roads of the future should consider current and fu- to finance 25% each. A project secretariat has been established ture requirements. To cater for this requirement, the Danish Road at the Danish Forest and Nature Agency. Directorate has initiated a research project entitled the City, the Road and the Landscape, with a financial contribution from ats, promenades and berths for yachts in the canals. ﬂ SLOTSBRYGGEN AT NYKØBING FALSTER AT SLOTSBRYGGEN The general plan for the new urban quarter at harbour is designed by Holscher Architects and includes social housing, luxury Architects Illustration: Holscher 06. 35

Realdania. The objective of the project is to analyse the urban and landscape development resulting from the major investment in motorway construction in Denmark since the 1960s into perspective.

In the National Planning Report 2006, the city region in eastern Jutland is mentioned as a new functional metropolis in Denmark. The cities along the transport corridor of eastern Jutland are increasingly growing together, and urban development tends to grow along the motorway rather than in a more conventional way such as the one found in a classic city with balanced development. The government has initiated a dialogue project, and through this the ministries of the Environment and Transport and Energy as well as the respective local and regional authorities are discussing the future development of the urban region.

Using the Finger Plan for Greater Copenhagen as a model, the project aims at studying whether new structures exist for such urban development. This could mean that a city region with a clear urban structure, a clear infrastructure and successful interaction with the surrounding landscape could be created within a period of 20-30 years.

GENERAL PLAN FOR ØRESTAD The three areas at Ørestad are characterised by high, dense urban developments in contrast to the ﬂ at common that is occasionally drawn into the urban spaces. The master plan was designed by AARKI Illustration: AARKI

NEW GUIDELINES FOR LANDSCAPE PLANNING The Ministry of the Environment is to publish new guidelines for The report states that a balance must be found between landscape the landscape in municipal planning. The publication describes a concerns and climate policy/supply considerations. This balance new method – the landscape grading method – which gives local should be based on a model that suggests that wind turbines should authorities new tools with which to consider landscape interests be concentrated in the areas of the country that are best suited in municipal planning. for large wind turbines.

At the same time, the local authorities will have an opportunity to Wind turbines add a modern, technical landscape element to the build up landscape competence in their administration. Similarly, countryside that changes the visual understanding of the ter- the interaction between the National Cultural Heritage Agency and rain through their appearance and relation to the surroundings. the Ministry of the Environment will be co-ordinated. The idea is to For this reason it is vital that turbine design and the structure ensure that in their planning, local authorities place enough em- of their location patterns are thought into the landscape archi- phasis on valuable urban environments and cultural environments tecture. This is particularly important when several turbines are in the open country. established together.

WIND TURBINES AS LANDMARKS As part of this work, an architectural competition will be initiated In March 2007, the government approved the report submitted by with a view to illustrating how groups of large wind turbines can the Committee on Land-based Wind Energy Planning. The report in- be established and be part of the designated landscapes. The idea dicates how to establish large wind turbines in the future and how is to show how they can contribute to creating national landmarks this will affect the Danish landscape. The report will be included in and at the same underline features in the landscape, tell a story the government’s long-term energy initiative which involves more and be a local attraction. focus on renewable energy. 36

ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MUST

BE MAINTAINED AND DEVELOPED OUR LADY’S CHURCH Copenhagen’s classicist cathedral was designed by C.F. Hansen and decorated by the sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. In 1979, the church was restored by the architect Vilhelm Wohlert and returned to its original appearance. Illustration: Denmark’s Art Library

CHALLENGES AND GOALS

BUILDINGS WITH CULTURAL HERITAGE Danish architecture has a history of more than 1,000 years. All over In order to contribute to the development of the debate on Danish the country, interesting buildings and structures maintain ele- architecture and cultural heritage, the National Cultural Heritage ments of the Danish heritage, telling the story of a certain period Agency hosts an annual seminar for professionals in co-operation or a certain tradition. with the schools of architecture.

In some periods, Danish architecture has had the status of an international pioneer. In other periods, the national heritage has placed itself in the wake of leading foreign styles. The architecture, however, has always appeared as a significant, tangible indicator of the country’s cultural and economic development.

Eighty percent of the building work in Denmark in coming years will be conversions or extensions of existing buildings. For this reason, it is natural that the government’s heritage policy is an important element in architectural policy and vice versa.

NEED FOR KNOWLEDGE ON THE HISTORY OF BUILDINGS Focus on preserving architectural heritage is essential for architectural quality. The many conversions and extensions constitute a risk that architectural heritage loses its original architectural KINGOHUSENE This residential development by Jørn Utzon expression and thereby its value as a witness to cultural and ar- was built from different modules enabling the chitectural history. In addition, buildings – with or without historic developers to compose a variety of structures. value – deteriorate if they are not regularly maintained. Illustration: Andreas Trier Mørch 37

RESTORATION OF KOLDINGHUS The precondition for architect Johannes Exner’s highly successful restoration of Koldinghus was his ability to read the history of the ruin throughout the building’s life and, against this backdrop, restore the ruin as a new building of superior architectural quality. Johannes Exner’s work on Koldinghus took place between 1972 and 1992.

300,000 BUILDINGS WORTH PRESERVING Denmark has about 300,000 buildings worthy of preservation. Of these, about 9,000 are listed buildings with architectural or historic value of international and national significance. They are under the remit of the National Cultural Heritage Agency. The remaining many thousands of buildings of regional or local preservation significance are the responsibility of the local authorities.

The 9,000 listed buildings distributed across 3,500 properties are the result of the work of the protection authorities since the first law on building protection was adopted in 1918.

KOLDINGHUS Illustration: Friis Fotografi

According to the National Cultural Heritage Agency, the many applications for conversions and extensions of listed buildings reflect the fact that many architects currently lack the necessary knowledge to be able to read the history of a building.

DISTINCTION BETWEEN MODERNISATION AND RESTORATION The architectural qualities of our old buildings must be protected at the same time as we provide space for new qualities and meet new needs. It is necessary to distinguish between the need for modernisation and restoration in caring for our cultural heritage.

It is therefore a good idea to strengthen architectural studies in restoration and the analysis of existing architecture. It is also important to strengthen basic knowledge by developing a national archive for architecture with literature, photos, models and drawings. 38 07.

INITIATIVES DANES APPRECIATE THEIR CULTURAL HERITAGE The following initiatives contribute to promoting the maintenance Danes are happy to live and move about in cultural heritage en- and development of architectural quality in our cultural heritage. vironments. In 2005, the National Cultural Heritage Agency and the Realdania Foundation carried out a survey on population and business attitudes to cultural heritage. The findings indicate that NEW FUNDS FOR THE RESTORATION OF MANOR HOUSES cultural heritage should be a resource in municipal planning. The The manor houses contain major architectural and historical values, survey shows, for example, that 82% would like a home with a and their maintenance and restoration is a large and expensive cultural heritage value and 46% believe that cultural heritage has task. For the next four years, DKK 6 million has been earmarked major importance in the choice of a place to live. each year for manor house restoration. In addition to existing support, the new fund will help to place further focus on the cultural Correspondingly, it appears that cultural heritage also plays a role in relation to commercial and industrial development: 55% of heritage of manors. businesses believe that cultural heritage helps to create a good environment for the company, 53% would like a building with cul- REVIEW OF BUILDING PRESERVATION tural heritage significance, and 28% indicate that cultural heritage The Minister for Cultural Affairs has established a committee for the has major importance for the location of their business. review of the culture of building preservation in Denmark. The task of the committee is to throw light on the issues of listed buildings and buildings that are worth preserving, with due consideration to a variety of issues such as social and technical aspects, administration, communication, citizens and the future. In order to support local work and public knowledge of the preservation complex, the National Cultural Heritage Agency has published In particular it seems that there is a potential in making an extra 78 atlases of significant architecture and environments in local effort to support the new local authorities in their efforts to pre- areas and cultural environments in Denmark since 1990. In 2005, serve cultural building heritage. The committee will also study the the National Cultural Heritage Agency has further developed the possibility of making the administration of listed buildings more older atlases to become more general cultural heritage atlases flexible as well as clarifying the qualities that make them worth with buildings, cities and elements of harmony in the cultural protecting to owners of listed buildings. landscape. The reason is the growing attention to the fact that cultural heritage does not only comprise the individual building, ATLAS FOR MUNICIPAL CULTURAL HERITAGE but the complex of many different elements. So far, the government has been in charge of the country’s listed buildings, but as of the new Planning Act in 2007, local authori- NEW PROJECT WITH “CULTURAL HERITAGE COUNCILS” ties are the main caretakers of the general cultural heritage in Cultural heritage may play a decisive role in local work with archi- Denmark. The job of securing buildings worthy of preservation, as tectural quality and planning. How can local authorities use cultural well as significant quarters and urban environments, rests with heritage as a lever for the development of the built environment

the local councils. and to attract more citizens, more businesses and more tourists? BELLA VISTA Arne Jacobsen’s residential development from 1937 is one of the most distinguished examples of modernistic architecture in Denmark Theilgaard Illustration: Helga 07. 39 CHRISTIANSFELD Illustration: Andreas Trier Mørch

The National Cultural Heritage Agency and Realdania will study this issue in a project on Cultural Heritage Councils in co-operation with the councils of Haderslev, Hjørring, Hvidovre and Aalborg. THE DANISH NATIONAL ART LIBRARY’S COLLECTION OF ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS The Danish National Art Library is the main library for archi- The goal is to make cultural and architectural heritage an asset that tecture, art and art history. It is the official library for the adds value to the local areas. This heritage will be fundamental in schools of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and art creating identity in the local areas and adding extra value in local history institutes of Denmark’s universities. Furthermore, it residential and commercial developments in the years to come. is an architectural museum, archive and study collection for The idea is that cultural heritage is to be a strategic element in practising architects, public authorities as well as Danish and Entirely planned 18th century development. The town is working together with Realdania on a preservation and restoration project in the historic town centre. the new municipal plans. foreign architectural scholars.

The Library’s collection of architectural drawings is among the DATABASE ON LISTED BUILDINGS oldest and most comprehensive in Europe. It was established AND BUILDINGS WORTH PRESERVING (FBB) as a special collection under the Library in 1846 and continu- In 2006, the National Cultural Heritage Agency opened a newly devel- ally receives drawings from architectural firms and architects. oped database on listed buildings and buildings worth preserving The collection contains about 300,000 drawings and 100,000 in Denmark. The database already comprises data on more than photographs. It has received drawings from most influential 400,000 buildings across the country, and FBB is openly accessible Danish architects since 1850. The majority can be looked up through the Internet. in the so-called ARBI base and ordered for study in the library’s study hall. This collection of drawings is part of the cultural heritage, and considerations for its digitalisation form part of Data regarding listed buildings is maintained by the National the committee remit on digitalisation of the cultural heritage Cultural Heritage Agency, while local authorities are responsible under the Ministry of Culture. The committee will present its for maintaining data regarding buildings worthy of preservation. recommendations to the government on overall efforts to In addition, there is a photo database with photos of some 470,000 digitalise cultural heritage. buildings across the country. Many of these photographs are found in the FBB database.

CULTURAL HERITAGE UNITED WITH INNOVATIVE ARCHITECTURE INCREASED FOCUS ON ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES Obsolete harbours and industrial buildings also contribute to cul- It is vital that the architectural study programmes consider the tural heritage and are important to identify and preserve for the need for competences aimed at assuming architectural challenges future. This is where cultural history can be united with innovative in the discipline of restoration. Accordingly, educational focus on architecture in new attractive environments for residential as well required competences in the architectural labour market must also as commercial uses. consider restoration and the professional challenges of the future uses of architectural heritage. The National Cultural Heritage Agency is implementing a project on the cultural heritage of industrial society. The purpose is to identify EXPERIMENT WITH “ARCHITECT’S TESTAMENT” the most significant industrial memorials in order to preserve and Our needs for the use of specific buildings changes over time and develop them into assets for the future. The agency will appoint the need arises to be able to convert buildings. For cultural herit- 25 national industrial memorials as well as collect and publish 200 age this is a vulnerable process, and that is why a new experiment industrial memorials of regional importance. The cultural heritage of entitled “Architect’s Testament” has been launched. industrial society is a major challenge for architects. Even though not all old industrial buildings can be converted into assets, the The experiment is aimed at having architects of potential future reuse of abandoned industrial plants offers many perspectives. cultural heritage buildings describe which changes and extensions they would find reasonable. Some day in the future it will A special focus area of the Danish Foundation for Culture and Sport then be easier to convert the building in the spirit of the original Facilities strategy for 2007-2009 is the use of existing buildings architect. The Danish Foundation for Culture and Sport Facilities which have special qualities for sport, culture and recreational is behind the experiment in dialogue with the National Cultural purposes due to their location, history or technical construction. Heritage Agency. 40

THE DANISH EMBASSY IN BERLIN In the master plan for the joint Nordic embassy com- pound, 3XN added the Danish embassy building. Illustration: Finn Christoffersen

CHALLENGES AND GOALS

A DANISH STRENGTH WITH A POTENTIAL Denmark will increasingly have to live off knowledge, concepts, methods and logistics, energy efficiency improvement and sustain- service and design. Architecture may thus play a significant role ability as well as energy and maintenance planning in relation to as a strong Danish knowledge and culture sector. the EU directive on energy labelling.

Despite the fact that the international promotion of Danish Denmark is internationally acclaimed and respected for its demo- architecture has been modest, Danish architecture enjoys cratic processes and ways of involving stakeholders in the plan- international respect. ning and implementation of new architecture. User and citizen participation are also seen as potential exports and models for Denmark has a strong tradition in architecture, and Danish archi- preserving and supporting cultural heritage are similarly obvious tectural firms have a great deal of international experience. Several fields of interest. of the largest Danish architectural firms already retrieve more than half of their revenue abroad. At the same time we have access to Danish architecture should be sold internationally for the benefit not a large, well-educated pool of architect talent. only of the architectural sector, but also that of related sectors such as engineering consultancy, construction and sub-contractors. Overall, this means that architecture is a special Danish position of strength, with unused export potential that we should be able MANY GAINS FROM INCREASED EXPORTS to further develop through focused efforts. Increasing exports of Danish architecture will work both as export income and as a branding of Danish quality and outlook on life. BROAD FIELD OF EXPERIENCE AND POSSIBILITIES Increased Danish exports of architecture will undoubtedly have Danish potential does not only involve know-how from the imple- substantial derived effects in the form of increased exports of mentation of world-renowned prestige buildings. Denmark also has other Danish construction consultancy services, Danish construc- many years of experience in urban renewal and urban planning, and tion materials and Danish designs such as windows, insulation, it seems obvious to export these skills. These involve renovation thermostats, pumps, furniture and lighting. In the longer term, 08. 41

THE ARCHITECTURAL BIENNALE IN VENICE The Architectural Biennale in Venice is the world’s most prestigious and most important architectural exhibition in terms of global development trends both in the architectural debate and in architecture. The Danish contribution to the international Architectural Biennale in Venice is organised with the Ministry of Culture as the primary principal and source of finance. The DAC holds the post of commis- sioner and acts as the developing, executive and responsible party that invites curators and exhibiting architectural firms. In addition, the DAC is to procure the necessary financial resources for the official Danish contribution. This is based in the Danish Pavilion in Venice and owned by the Ministry of Culture. The DAC seeks to find broad financial backing for participation in co-operation with the Danish Arts Foundation as well as private foundations and the exhibiting firms.

DANISH ARCHITECTURE ABROAD DANSKE ARK estimates that the 2006 export revenue of association member companies rose to DKK 200 million out of a total revenue of DKK 3.1 billion. In addition, the organisation estimates that foreign subsidiaries, partners and others contribute with a further DKK 75 million.

Exports constitute 40-60% of revenue in the largest Danish architectural firms.

Danish architecture wins an increasing number of competitions abroad ahead of significant international names. In 2005-2006 alone, Danish architectural firms received prizes in more than 50 competitions or prize events.

increased exports of architecture will also strengthen Denmark’s “brand” and contribute to marketing Denmark and Danish products in general.

At the same time, increasing exports will ensure strong international interaction between Danish and international architects and thus provide an important contribution to the development of Danish architecture.

Progress in the exports of Danish architectural services, however, is not a goal in itself. Export and internationalisation should also be seen as a conduit. A means to create dynamism in Danish architecture and among Danish architects. A means to improve our use and development of the architectural knowledge and resources that we possess.

If the potential is to be strengthened, Danish architecture needs a higher degree of international exposure. The intention is to strengthen the chances of Danish architectural firms to win market shares in the global market. In this way, we can increase knowledge of Danish culture, improve the opportunities for small and medium-sized architectural practices and the growth layer, and improve the employment environment of Danish architects.

THE FOREIGN MINISTRY IN RIYADH One of the chief works of Henning Larsen Architects in Saudi Arabia unites Arabic and Nordic architectural ideals. Illustration: Richard Bryant 42 08.

INITIATIVES CAMPAIGNS ON INTERESTING MARKETS IN CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES The following initiatives contribute to providing better conditions Denmark is particularly interested in the Chinese and American for Danish architectural exports. markets, and there are special initiatives for these markets. The DAC is in charge of the development of relations and methods fol- TRAVELLING EXHIBITION lowing the Architectural Biennale in Beijing in September 2006. The In order to market Danish architecture and design, the Danish goal is to create co-operation between young Chinese and Danish Architecture Centre (DAC) and the Danish Design Centre are or- architectural firms. A strategy will also be prepared for networks ganising a joint, international travelling exhibition for 2007-2010. and the exposure of Danish architectural competences in New The exhibition will present Danish design and architecture in a York/North America. global perspective. The Consulate General in New York and the DAC are co-operating The exhibition is designed to show that the following elements are with The American Institute of Architects (AIA) which is to hold its among the fundamental factors in Danish design and architecture: annual convention in Denmark in 2008. The board of the AIA has new technology and new materials, a user-oriented approach and requested help to establish the programme for the convention values such as sustainability, co-existence, responsibility and com- and this offers a unique chance to profile Danish architecture and mitment with a global perspective. At the same time, the travelling design to 120-150 leading American architects. exhibition should work as a platform for the international promotion of Danish architectural firms. NEW FOCUS AREA AT EMBASSIES A partnership with selected Danish embassies is intended to as- INCREASED FOCUS ON DANISH ARCHITECTURE sess the need for an increased focus on architecture as a Danish IN THE TRADE COUNCIL export product in a cultural as well as commercial sense. Through In order to assist small and medium-sized architectural firms, their local knowledge and networks in the host country, Danish the Ministry of Culture and the DAC, in co-operation with the Trade representations abroad have special prerequisites for picking up Council of Denmark, are working to describe the special conditions and furthering interest in Danish architecture. The representations that architectural firms face in their internationalisation process. should be able to act on requests about Danish architecture and This is done through close dialogue with the DAC and other play- to use contacts proactively. ers in the area. This will enable the Trade Council and the relevant Danish representations abroad to identify market trends and specific The other partners are the DAC, which is to provide professional invitations to tender for architectural projects. It will also work as assistance, and the Danish Arts Agency as the operator of the a platform for the analysis of the most interesting markets now international cultural work of the ministries of Foreign Affairs and and in future. Cultural Affairs. The work of the representations includes co-ordination of exhibitions, lectures, articles, competitions, journalist trips It is estimated that there is a major export potential, and if Danish and contacts. The representations can provide an understanding of architects show interest, the Trade Council of Denmark will increase Danish architecture by communicating knowledge of cultural and its focus on helping the construction sector, including Danish social context as well as background and the beacons of Danish architects, to enter the markets where the potential and interest architecture. Furthermore, architecture is included in the efforts of are the greatest. This can, for instance, be done through dialogue the diplomatic representations through the government’s plan for between consultants and the architectural sector. In particularly promoting Denmark abroad and through public diplomacy. interesting markets, traineeships could be a possibility for Danish architectural students. ARCHITECTURE AS PART OF DANISH DEVELOPMENT AID Danish development aid includes both buildings and building com- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Trade Council of plexes and, accordingly, architecture. Although the architectural Denmark, is to assist in the joint promotion campaign on the focus service is not the primary target of development aid, architectural markets for Danish architectural practices. Specific campaigns quality should be considered whenever appropriate. must be co-ordinated through an external co-ordinator such as the DAC, the Danish Association of Architectural Firms (DANSKE ARK) or Danish architects are employed to the extent it is relevant and some other co-ordinator. in agreement with the principles for aid as well as international procurement rules and international development aid principles. EXPORT PREPARATION CONSULTANT FOR ARCHITECTURE In future, it is an obvious advantage to use the knowledge and The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Trade Council of services of Danish architects in the implementation of Danish Denmark, has attached an export preparation consultant with focus development aid. on architecture and construction to the BornCreative programme.

The job of the export consultant is to prepare Danish small and medium-sized architectural firms with less than 50 employees and revenues of less than DKK 50 million to establish themselves on the global market. The firms receive 25 hours of free assistance to prepare an internationalisation plan. The Trade Council of Denmark, the DAC and DANSKE ARK are co-operating in the new initiative. MAGIC MOUNTAIN Magic Mountain, designed by COBE, was part of the Danish contribution to Architectural Biennale in Venice 2006. The project offers an architectural proposal for environmental, cultural, social and economic solution to the future Chinese city. Illustration: COBE 43 Illustration: Scanpix Illustration: architecture. It is a landmark for Sydney and global icon. Jørn Utzon’s chief work is an important contribution to world THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

In 2006, the architectural committee of the Danish Arts Foundation ARCHITECTS ON POSITIVE LIST FOR JOB CARDS initiated co-operation with MS Danish Association for International Co- The ability to employ foreign specialists is an important condition operation. The immediate projects involve support for a development for strengthening the competitiveness of Danish architectural firms plan for a training centre in Arusha in Tanzania and support for a range in the global marketplace. The employment of foreign architects may of “democratic greenhouses” which are planned for 2007 in Uganda. add important new knowledge as well as professional and business Both projects are based on international reciprocity and will provide networks to Danish architectural firms. This also includes specific concrete evidence that Danish architects are capable of designing knowledge about the function of foreign markets. This is why it is attractive settings for education and democracy in the Third World. essential for the international competitiveness and development of Danish architectural firms that they have easy and flexible access to the employment of qualified foreigners. Illustration: Christensen & Co Architects Illustration: and campus park which is intended to connect two major university buildings. Christensen & Co Architects won the NEW UNIVERSITY IN STOCKHOLM

As a result, the architectural profession has been appointed to the positive list of employment areas in which foreigners have immediate access to work and residence permits under the so-called job card programme.

BIENNALE AND INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS AS SHOWCASES FOR DANISH ARCHITECTURE Denmark is increasingly making itself known. Not just through competitions and award events, but international publications and participation in international exhibitions are also on the increase. ﬁ rst prize with their proposal for the new building Denmark takes part in the international biannual Architectural NEW INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION AND Biennale in Venice. At the two most recent biennales, Denmark CULTURAL EXCHANGE received awards from the international jury and has been able to Danish Edge has been established in order to provide full atten- use the biennale as a significant showcase for Danish architecture tion to Danish architecture, design and crafts. Danish Edge is an and Danish building competences. There will be high priority on English-language portal and newsletter produced as a co-opera- qualified Danish participation in future as well. tive effort by the DAC, the Danish Design Centre and Danish Crafts. In the next few years, the DAC will build up an international profile The portal is intended to be “the first choice” when international with a view to implementing export promotion campaigns for target groups want information about innovation and interdisci- Danish consulting services in co-operation with the Trade Council plinary integration in the field. of Denmark and Danish companies. As a result, the DAC has assumed the role of screener and “benchmarker” of relevant international ARCHITECTURE AS PART architectural biennales and exhibitions in an initiative that will be OF INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE carried out in close co-operation with the official Danish representa- The ministries of Cultural Affairs and Foreign Affairs are co-operat- tions. The DAC also works closely with the Danish Arts Agency and ing partners in international cultural exchange. The Arts Agency is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on programming in connection with the co-ordinator for this co-operation. Architecture will be included official Danish visits abroad, including the supply of architectural on equal terms with the other arts in the rolling action plan for exhibitions and export promotion. international cultural activities that the Arts Agency is preparing for the two ministries. 44

DANISH ARCHITECTURE MUST HAVE A STRONG GROWTH LAYER

CHALLENGES AND GOALS

NEED FOR CONTINUAL DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION Architecture needs to be persistently challenged. Tradition and experience are central values. But Danish architecture must continue to develop if we want to create the dynamism and innovation necessary for the traditional qualities to be relevant in the future CO-EVOLUTION WON society that architecture is created for. THE GOLDEN LION IN VENICE The official Danish contribution to the Architectural For dynamism and innovation to flourish in Danish architecture, Biennale in Venice in 2007 was developed as part of an new generations of architects must also have the opportunity to effort to promote the growth layer. The Danish contribu- contribute with their talent, new knowledge and novel ideas. This tion, “CO-Evolution”, presents four specific proposals for mainly takes place through the talent development that the large sustainable construction and sustainable urban planning in China. The project was prepared by curator Henrik Valeur Danish architectural firms contribute to through their recruiting and four young architectural firms – Cebra, Transform, from the two schools of architecture. Effekt and Cobe – in close co-operation with four leading Chinese universities. It is, however, essential that the growth layer is exposed nationally and internationally, and that access to the architectural sector In November 2006, the project was awarded the world’s does not present a structural barrier for talented and enterprising finest architectural exhibition prize, The Golden Lion, for architects who want to start their own practice. best national exhibition contribution among 50 countries. The exhibition illustrates the significance of exchanging ideas, knowledge and experience across national borders. COMPETITIONS OFTEN THE BEGINNING The project shows the results of combining Danish tradi- The successful Danish architectural practices that currently rep- tions for humanistic and sustainable architecture and resent Danish architecture both at home and abroad were all es- planning with local Chinese insight, technical competence tablished after their founders won architectural competitions. This and engineering science. means that competitions are vital in fulfilling future prospects and innovation for the growth layer in Danish architecture. 09. 45

THE SAME PARLIAMENT IN SWEDEN The winning proposal of Danish architectural ﬁ rm aart for the Sami Parliament focuses on preservation and development of the Sami cultural heritage. Illustration: aart a/s

BAKKEGÅRD SCHOOL CEBRA and Søren Robert Lund Architects collaborated on the design of this school in Gentofte north of Copenhagen. The sports facilities are underground and the school yard is placed on the roof of the building. Illustration: Adam Mørk

An obstacle for the growth layer is clearly if only a few newly- ment. This, however, does not prevent the developer from consider- established architectural firms are invited to take part in closed ing whether the requirements and criteria would also allow smaller competitions, and if open competitions are seldom organised for companies to participate. specific building projects. Public authorities can make a difference here by helping more Statistics from the Architects’ Association of Denmark (AA) show young architectural firms gain access to the project market. This that the number of closed competitions has grown in the past can be done through competitions and by generally contributing decade while the number of open competitions has not. There has to placing increased focus on the talented architectural firms in been a minor decline in the number of open competitions in the the growth layer. past five years.

There may be many reasons for this. One could be habitual thinking on the part of developers in their choice of participants and form of competition. Another could be the idea that open competitions require inappropriately high resources for involved parties; and finally a conception that there is considerable uncertainty in relation to the winning project and architect. MANY ARCHITECTS IN DENMARK Denmark is one of the countries with most architects per capita. PREPARATION OF CLOSED COMPETITION The following figures show, overall, how many architects have graduated from the two Danish schools of architecture: Open competitions may require an unnecessarily high level of resources. The question is how to make sure that closed competitions Cand. arch. (master): 8,480 (6,442 were in the labour force in 2004) consider, or at least do not ignore, the growth layer. Ph.D.: 64 (58 were in the labour force in 2004) Bachelor: 282 When the circle of participants for a closed competition is to be chosen, it is vital that the applied criteria provide for equal treat- 46 09.

INITIATIVES

The following initiatives contribute to strengthening the growth layer in Danish architecture.

NEW WILD CARD SCHEME Similarly to the world of sports, it is important that young and untried talents, who have not yet found their way into the official rankings, are given an opportunity to participate in competitions where they can be measured against the elite and prove their value in practice. Co-operating with the Danish Competition Agency and relevant parties, the Danish Architecture Centre (DAC) plans to launch an information campaign and prepare a series of specific procedures and guidelines aimed at promoting a competition environment which considers access to the market for architectural services for the growth layer. The effort is to be targeted at government developers and their architectural competitions. The guidelines will describe how to establish objective requirements so that these do not cut off younger firms.

In co-operation with other relevant players, the DAC and the AA plan to prepare instructions to help disseminate these guidelines both to government developers and other interested parties. As part of COLLECTION OF PROJECTS FROM YOUNG ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS this effort, a Wild Card list will be produced and maintained for the As part of the architectural policy, a project collection will place advance invitation of growth layer companies. The Wild Card list focus on successful planning processes that had young architec- will be based on objective criteria and be open for all who meet tural practices at the helm, or on successful partnerships between the criteria. young and older firms.

EUROPAN – COMPETITION TARGETING THE GROWTH LAYER The goal is to expose young architectural firms and give them In order to promote the access of the growth layer to the market access to closed competitions. At the same time, the idea is to for architectural services, a showcase is needed to extol the quali- expose new forms of co-operation between young architectural ties of the young architectural firms. For the first time, Denmark is firms and project companies. The experiences of the Danish taking part in EUROPAN – an inter-European partnership focusing Foundation for Culture and Sport Facilities are included in these on the development and discussion of new ideas in architecture efforts. The DAC will organise and disseminate the collection to and urban planning. EUROPAN addresses European architects under public and private developers. the age of 40. TRAVEL GRANTS FOR YOUNG ARCHITECTS EUROPAN 9 was launched at the end of January 2007, and the Travel grants aimed at motivating and supporting an international winning project will be announced in January 2008. Denmark is and business-oriented professionalisation are available to newly participating with three building lots in Herning, Vejle and Ørestad. graduated and young architects. The travel must have a well-founded EUROPAN is a unique opportunity to professionalise the growth professional purpose. The grants are allocated to individuals or layer in Danish architecture. For young architects, EUROPAN is project groups who help to increase knowledge of the Danish ar- a first class platform for national and particularly international chitectural marketing. exposure. At the same time, EUROPAN can contribute to creating a breakthrough for young architectural firms. Through EUROPAN they The travel grants have special focus on China and New York and are can have their projects implemented and thereby be helped along part of the implementation of the design fund under the remit of to further their qualifications. the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

DIALOGUE WITH THE GROWTH LAYER implementation of a major building project re- mises the amount of unpaid work necessary. The Danish Foundation for Culture and Sport quires considerable experience, the Foundation Every participant receives a direct response Facilities is dedicated in its efforts to create has chosen to make extra consultancy and is introduced to the Foundation’s circle dialogue with the growth layer. available should the competition be won by a of developers. less experienced architectural firm. In large projects that are subject to EU and na- Thirdly, in smaller development projects, the tional guidelines, the Foundation has chosen to In smaller projects, the Foundation often in- Foundation invites 1-3 younger architectural work out participation criteria at the prequali- vites younger, less experienced architectural practices to a joint dialogue on a given project. fication stage so that younger architectural firms to take part in mini-competitions. The Competent proposals are published and the firms and companies with less than three years participants communicate directly with the architectural practices are given access to a of annual accounts are not excluded. Since the developer, and the project description mini- large circle of developers. 47

VM HOUSES The young Danish architectural ﬁ rm PLOT has created light and view for all ﬂ ats in the residential complex shaped as the letters V and M. Illustration: PLOT = BIG+JDS

BYBRO AT BERGEN European competition (EUROPAN) won by the young Danish architectural ﬁ rm Transform for the design of a new town centre in Åsane, Bergen. Illustration: Transform

GROWTH IN THE SECTOR The Danish Association of Architectural Firms more employees. Ten companies employ more (DANSKE ARK) has 675 member companies. They than 75 people. The largest architectural firms are estimated to cover nearly 95% of revenue in have 250-300 employees. the architectural sector. The trend is that many new small firms are be- The 2006 revenue of these firms was DKK 3.1 bil- ing established at the same time as large firms lion. are getting larger. Growth is achieved through increasingly strong international business. For Total revenue in the firms grew by 20.4% from the largest practices, exports constitute 40-60% 2005 to 2006. This is higher than the 16% revenue of revenue. advance in the construction sector, which was the Danish sector to record the greatest progress The growth in the number of architectural firms MANY WANT TO among large sectors in 2006. The growth of some is reflected in the number of members of DANSKE BE SELF-EMPLOYED of the larger architectural firms was at 30-40%. ARK. Since January 1, 2006, the association has ac- According to a 2006 survey of cepted 9-10 new member companies every month. new graduates from the Aarhus Number of employees in early January 2007: about Two thirds are newly established. If one adds the School of Architecture, 25% 5,100, of whom about 1,150 are owners and 4,000 firms that are not members of DANSKE ARK, it is wanted to be self-employed. employees. estimated that 8-10 entrepreneurs have or will Twelve percent of the archi- have established a business in the architectural tects, who graduated between As a rule, Danish architectural firms are very small. sector every month in 2006 and 2007. 1995 and 2000, currently have Nearly half of the members of DANSKE ARK are one- their own operation. man operations, while 100 firms have 10 or Source: DANSKE ARK 48

DANISH ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES MUST BE AMONG THE BEST IN THE WORLD

PORT OF ÅRHUS Architectural students working with a giant model at the Port of Århus on the occasion of the School’s 40th anniversary. Illustration: Aage Lund Jensen CHALLENGES AND GOALS

SPECIAL DANISH FEATURES IN ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES The Danish method of architectural education is an important ele- tions with a more general and deeper responsibility in their area ment in an explanation of why Denmark has a position of strength of education. in architecture. It is a quality and special feature of Danish architects and Danish Danish architectural studies constitute an independent higher study architecture that the foundation of the institutions is artistic – and programme. Unlike many other countries, architecture is regarded a feature we should protect. as an artistic education and not part of an engineering programme or a unit within a technical university. But it is also a corresponding and natural challenge for the schools that they provide the necessary attachment to the architectural Correspondingly, the Danish schools of architecture are not simply sector and other educational and research institutions. This connec- regarded as educational institutions – but as cultural institu- tion is necessary if the institutions are to develop the architectural

MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE (CAND.ARCH.) The master programme in architecture (cand.arch.) is provided by the The architectural studies provide the following areas of specialisation: School of Architecture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen architecture, restoration, urban and landscape planning, and graphic and the Aarhus School of Architecture. The programme consists of a and industrial design. three-year bachelor and a two-year master degree. In addition, the schools offer a two-year researcher degree (Ph.D.) and continuing The School of Architecture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts also education at the diploma and master level. accommodates the School of Architecture Library, which is the national library for architecture and physical planning and a public Annual admission: 350 students research library. Number of active students 2006: 1,639. 10. 49

ESBJERG BEACH PROMENADE European competition for architects under the age of 40 was won by two young architects and three architectural students. Afterwards they formed the architectural ﬁ rm Spektrum. Illustration: Spektrum

profession and the Danish construction sector, and continue to The architectural studies must be internationalised and their quality train architects with high professional qualifications and a high developed in coordination with the labour market in which Danish employment potential. architects are trained to operate. This is to take place concurrently with Denmark having access to the highest international quality INTERNATIONALISATION AND QUALITY DEVELOPMENT in architectural education and research. Demands on the schools must be kept and strengthened so that they can continue to supply education, research and artistic ex- Education and knowledge development at the two schools of ar- hibition of the highest international standard – and so that the chitecture should take place in interaction with the professional schools remain among the most sought-after architectural study sector, and the sector should be involved in the quality development programmes in the world. of the activities of the two schools.

WORKSHOP Workshop on Culture Night at the School of Architecture in Copenhagen. Illustration: School of Architecture.

MASTER IN STRATEGIC URBAN PLANNING The School of Architecture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts offers a master programme with focus on the strategic planning of urban change processes based on the spatial qualities of the city. The idea is that the problems and requirements of urban planning have changed. Globalisation, de-industrialisation and new cultural and social patterns have made a new strategic approach necessary. The master programme aims to qualify students to prepare urban strategies as consultants for public and private clients. 50 10.

POLAR STATION Integrated elements such as an indoor running track and INITIATIVES an energy production plant illustrate the future-oriented and pioneering perspectives of the project. Prepared by the The following initiatives contribute to ensuring that Danish archi- architectural ﬁ rm MAPT. Illustration: MAPT tectural studies are among the best in the world.

WORLD CLASS ACCREDITATION AND BENCHMARKING In order to ensure and document that Danish architectural stud- Board members are to offer advice to the rector and the Minister ies measure up to the best in the world, the programmes must be on school development. Board members should represent lead- benchmarked and their quality assured according to international ing architectural firms and include international architects. The standards. By 2010 at the latest, the programmes will be accredited advisory board will comment on developments in the school’s according to international standards. annual report.

Accreditation will direct attention to the development of quality, GREATER INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE and encourage fast action if it turns out that there are places in The Danish education of architects should be internationally com- Denmark where the programmes lack quality. petitive and attractive. For this reason it is vital that the schools enter into strategic collaborations with leading international schools ADVISORY BOARDS TO ENSURE PROFESSIONAL ATTACHMENT of architecture and promote increasing international exchange of The schools of architecture must establish and maintain a close students, teachers and scholars. and mutually obliging dialogue with the architectural profession. To provide the best conditions for the continual development of One way is to increase the supply of English-language programmes education and research in interaction with the sector, the two that can attract foreign scholars, teachers, exchange and pay- schools will establish advisory boards with close relations to ing students. school management.

RESEARCH IN IT AND ARCHITECTURE The Centre for IT and Architecture (CITA) is a creative research envi- tools. CITA co-operates with a broad range of European and American ronment for new digital design and production tools at the School universities, private and public test and research centres, schools of of Architecture in Copenhagen. CITA’s research contributes with new architecture and design, industrial companies as well as engineer- knowledge to architectural studies as well as the transfer of new ing and architectural firms. A special element in CITA’s research and technology across disciplines and industries. The field of research teaching environment is the Rapid Prototyping technology. In 2006, is interdisciplinary and works as a link between research and prac- the Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation granted tice in the development of creative models that provide direct and CITA an international Ph.D. chair for studies in interactive textiles practical experience in the application and development of digital and architecture. 10. 51

GRADUATES PRIMARILY GET PRIVATE SECTOR JOBS According to a 2006 survey from the Aarhus School of Architecture, 68% of the graduates in the period 1995-2005 had their first job in a private architectural practice.

COMMUNICATION TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC The schools of architecture in Copen- hagen and Århus carry out a range of national and international activities in which they communicate knowledge and cultural activities to the general public. Throughout the year, they organise architectural exhibitions, international lectures, conferences and other activities that are open to general audiences.

AARHUS SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE Students at Aarhus School of Architecture participate in a MORE RESEARCH IN CO-OPERATION WITH workshop conducted by the American architect Michael Sorkin. THE ARCHITECTURAL SECTOR Illustration Aage Lund Jensen The continual development of new knowledge in the architectural field is an all-decisive precondition for the quality development of both the education and the profession. This knowledge develop- Continuing training courses should be co-ordinated, prepared and ment can advantageously take place in partnerships between the offered jointly by the two schools of architecture. schools and architectural firms. INCREASED FOCUS ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS The schools of architecture will provide for this by establishing Education and research at the two schools of architecture must be business Ph.D.s in co-operation with relevant partners and by in- tuned and adjusted in accordance with the needs of the sector. They creasing external research financing. should also consider relevant or strategically important development areas in the architectural profession. Such areas could be planning, DEVELOPMENT OF CONTINUING EDUCATION sustainability, industrialised construction, digitalisation, landscape Continuing education of the architectural profession is necessary if architecture and restoration. The dialogue with the professional there is to be continual knowledge dissemination and competence sector about these focus areas is vital in this context. adjustment to match the requirements of the architectural sector. Co-operating with the sector, the schools of architecture must The initiatives are part of a new agreement for studies under the develop and adapt training courses to cater for the requirements Ministry of Culture and will be pursued in result contracts between of the labour market. the Ministry and the schools of architecture for 2007-2010.

CENTRE FOR INDUSTRIAL ARCHITECTURE (CINARK) The Centre for Industrial Architecture at the School of Architecture in CINARK research also covers industrial architecture as a lever for a Copenhagen seeks to establish co-operation with the parties in the sustainable development, affordable housing, the significance of construction sector. CINARK is focused on education and research in new digital technologies in the architectural design process, and industrial architecture. Research subjects include the unfolding of the a reintroduction of the ornament in industrialised construction. architectural design process in industrial practice, building systems, CINARK has established international research co-operation with mass customisation in architecture, and the architectural potential in several European and North American universities, NCC Sweden and different construction materials, construction technologies, and iden- the French governmental agency PUCA (Plan-Urbanisme-Construction- tity and value creation in modern industrial commercial building. Aménagement). 52

LIST OF MINISTRIES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND RELEVANT INSTITUTIONS

Aarhus School of Architecture | www.aarch.dk Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs | www.oem.dk Danish Architecture Centre | www.dac.dk Ministry of Foreign Affairs | www.um.dk Danish Arts Agency | www.kunststyrelsen.dk Ministry of Social Affairs | www.social.dk Danish Defence Estates and Infrastructure Organisation | www.fbt.dk Ministry of the Environment | www.mim.dk Danish Energy Authority | www.ens.dk Ministry of Transport and Energy | www.trm.dk Danish Forest and Nature Agency | www.skovognatur.dk National Agency for Enterprise and Construction | www.ebst.dk Danish Foundation for Culture and Sport Facilities | www.loa-fonden.dk National Cultural Heritage Agency | www.kulturarv.dk Danish Road Directorate | www.vejdirektoratet.dk Palaces and Property Agency | www.ses.dk Danish University and Property Agency | www.ubst.dk School of Architecture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts | www.karch.dk Ministry of Culture | www.kum.dk Trade Council of Denmark | www.eksportraadet.dk

DANISH ARCHITECTURE CENTRE spaces and landscapes. The Foundation places special demands on the The Danish Architecture Centre is an information and development cen- development of architectural quality in subsidised construction developed tre for architecture and construction. It is the DAC’s mission to initiate by local councils, associations or independent institutions. partnerships that develop and disseminate Danish architecture and construction with a view to creating cultural and commercial value for On the basis of more than ten years of experience, consultancy has be- professionals and users of architecture. come a central part of Foundation activities. Seen from a local perspective, building projects in the field of sport, culture and leisure only occur Activities are aimed at both professionals and the general public. The at several years’ intervals and the individual council or local developer objective of the DAC is implemented through exhibitions, meeting and has limited experience in this area. In such cases, the total knowledge conference activities, education service, web activities and other infor- of the Foundation is accessible in the form of inspirational databases, mation activities. statistics and direct project consultancy. Co-operation with relevant research institutions helps to strengthen this competence. The ministries of Culture and Economic and Business Affairs and Realdania have increased the DAC’s grant from three times DKK 2.1 million annually The Danish Foundation for Culture and Sport Facilities is strongly focused in 2005 to DKK 12.4 million annually from 2007. on the development of architectural quality and is experimenting with new forms of competition and procurement. In partnerships between develo- The intention is to intensify the efforts of the DAC to promote the disse- pers and other parties in a construction project, this provides architects mination and development of Danish architecture both at the national and with an opportunity to develop and implement aesthetic, functional and international level. This means that the DAC works as principal operator interesting sports and culture facilities. The new initiatives unite the in the co-ordination and implementation of the new inter-ministerial creative and executive forces with the content knowledge of the developer architectural policy. as early in the project as possible. Several of the Foundation’s initiatives are aimed at trying to include the growth layer in Danish architecture. DANISH ARTS FOUNDATION The main task of the Committee for Architecture under the Danish Arts The Danish Foundation for Culture and Sport Facilities was established in Foundation is the allocation of three-year working scholarships, working and 1994 and receives annual funding of about DKK 80 million from the pools travelling bursaries, prizes and project grants to architects as well as other and lottery funds of the national gaming company Danske Spil. grants aimed at maintaining and promoting architectural production. NATIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE AGENCY The Committee for Architecture receives an annual allocation of DKK 7.5 The objective of the National Cultural Heritage Agency is to protect and million. In 2005 the Committee received 141 applications, of which 55 highlight the importance of cultural heritage in buildings, prehistoric were granted. In the first six months of 2006, the Committee received monuments and museums and to make this heritage relevant to citizens. 106 applications, of which 35 were granted. In the area of architecture, the Agency manages the Consolidated Listed Buildings and Preservation of Buildings and Urban Environments Act. The The decisive criterion for Danish Arts Foundation grants is the quality of Agency prepares theme reviews in the form of reviews of the works of a artistic production and artistic talent. The Danish Arts Agency takes care of single architect or reviews of a theme such as agricultural buildings with a the administrative functions of the Committee for Architecture as well as for view to listing the best examples. In addition, the Agency receives listing the board and council of representatives of the Danish Arts Foundation. proposals from Landsforeningen for Bygnings- og Landskabskultur (the national society for building and landscape culture) and private citizens. DANISH FOUNDATION FOR CULTURE AND SPORT FACILITIES Listing proposals are presented to the Historic Buildings Council which The Danish Foundation for Culture and Sport Facilities develops and supports is the Minister’s advisory body. construction in the field of sport, culture and leisure. The support is aimed at innovative projects, architectural quality and user involvement. Results The restoration, renovation and conversion of listed buildings require of the Foundation’s work include water culture centres in Copenhagen and permission from the National Cultural Heritage Agency. The Agency has a elsewhere, inner-city commons such as DGI-Huset in Århus and Prismen staff of experienced restoration architects in charge of this field. in Copenhagen, mobile skating rinks, cultural centres and association buildings and – not least – the renovation of many sports facilities that The National Cultural Heritage Agency hosts a biannual restoration se- require updating in view of current sporting needs. The support is aimed at minar. About 350 architects usually attend to discuss topics related all corners of sport, culture and leisure, and in addition to proper buildings, to restoration. support is also granted to activities connected with outdoor areas, urban 1. 2.

1. THE UNIVERSITY OF ÅRHUS Denmark’s ﬁrst university campus was inaugurated in 1928. Designed by Kay Fisker, P. Stegmann and C.F. Møller and the landscape architect C.Th. Sørensen. Illustration: Realdania

2. EGÅ GYMNASIUM CUBO Architects designed the school building whose centre and centre of gravity is a large circular room with a partly integrated sports facility. Illustration: CUBO Architects

3. IT UNIVERSITY IN COPENHAGEN The building has been developed around a central and open atrium in which meeting and group rooms extend into space like drawers of different sizes. Henning Larsen Architects. Illutsration: Adam Mørk With “A Nation of Architecture – Denmark” we have, for the first time, a comprehensive architectural policy for Denmark.

It is the government’s intention that the architectural policy will contribute to the development of architecture as a Danish stronghold and to create an increasing awareness and debate about the significance, conditions and possibilities of architecture in Denmark.

The policy has been prepared with the co-operation of several ministries: the ministries of Culture, Economic and Business Affairs, Social Affairs, Foreign Affairs, the Environment and Transport and Energy as well as the Danish University and Property Agency, the Danish Defence Estates and Infrastructure Organisation, and the Palaces and Property Agency.

The architectural policy can be downloaded electronically from the website of the Ministry of Culture: www.kum.dk